We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Common Causes of a Headache and Earache?

By Jessica F. Black
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 26,694
Share

The most common causes of a headache and earache are temporal arteritis, vertigo, and sinus infections. Migraines vary, and some sufferers may experience an earache in addition to his or her other discomforts and should inform his or her physician of any additional symptoms in order to receive proper medical treatment. Some flu symptoms include a headache and an earache, which are usually cured with antibiotics or over-the-counter cold medicine. People who experience these symptoms simultaneously should seek medical attention, especially if the problem is recurring.

Temporal arteritis usually causes inflammation of arteries located near the temples of the head. Nutrient and oxygen supplies to the brain are significantly decreased by this condition and can cause painful symptoms or lead to severe health complications. This affliction has many symptoms including headache and earache, but complications can be as severe as blindness or stroke. Treatment usually involves a prescription for prednisone, which physicians often give in high doses. The most vital factor in treatment is early diagnosis because medication can only help cure symptoms, and severe problems be permanent.

Vertigo causes severe dizziness sensations, weakness, and physical imbalance due to a variety of causes. One of the main sources of vertigo may be various types of ear infections that can cause a headache and earache. Ear wax, imbalance disorders, and nasal congestion can also cause bouts of vertigo, and thorough examinations can determine the specific source of the problem. Some symptoms have been linked to alcohol overdose and is treated differently than some of the other causes. Primary treatments usually include treating underlying conditions, antihistamines, and anticholinergic drugs. There are suggested home remedies which may include ginkgo biloba, reduction of stress, and various herbs.

There are a variety of sinus conditions that may lead to headache and earache symptoms caused by air pockets in the components of the nasal cavity. Infection is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria or a virus, which may cause severe discomfort for the patient. Symptoms may continuously get worse if the patient does not seek medical treatment, which may vary depending on the cause of the sinus infection. The most common treatment is medications that relieve the problem such as decongestants, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics.

Causes for a headache and earache may differ between adults and children. Symptoms in children are harder to recognize especially in the case of vertigo, because it is less common. Any sign of ear problems should be reported immediately to the child's pediatrician because some of the complications of the these conditions are considered serious and may damage a child's development.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By candyquilt — On Aug 07, 2013

@MikeMason-- The ears, eyes, nose and throat are all connected. So an infection in any of these can easily cause symptoms in others.

A headache behind the ears is usually caused by a sinus infection or a migraine. Ear infections can definitely cause severe headaches and I don't think that vertigo has to be present for it. Ear infections can also cause eye and jaw pain on the same side of the face.

You should see an ENT specialist to check for infections. It's also possible that you don't have an ear infection anymore, but the previous infection caused a change in your inner ear pressure which is giving you headaches. Even antibiotics can cause ear pressure change and symptoms like nausea, dizziness and headaches.

By stoneMason — On Aug 06, 2013

So do ear infections usually cause a headache? Or does it only cause a headache when there is vertigo?

I had an ear infection recently and now I'm experiencing a constant headache behind my eyes. I don't have vertigo though, so I don't know if the two are related.

By discographer — On Aug 05, 2013

I get migraines every month, around the time of my period. I think it's because of hormonal fluctuations.

The migraines are terrible. It's a constant throbbing pain on one side of my head. The pain usually extends down to my ear and my ear aches along with my head. Sometimes the migraine lasts for two days straight and I just want to sleep in a dark room the entire time.

My doctor just prescribed me a new migraine medication. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that it works.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-common-causes-of-a-headache-and-earache.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.