Symptom 17. Ear Pain: A Lesser-Known Migraine Symptom
We’re rounding out our list of migraine symptoms with a lesser-known yet significant one – ear pain. The pain associated with migraines often isn’t limited to the head; it can spread and manifest itself in different ways, including earaches.
Imagine being in a quiet room, but you’re unable to enjoy the silence because of a nagging pain in your ear. It’s not intense like the migraine headache but dull and persistent, making it difficult to focus on anything else.
Ear pain associated with migraines isn’t the same as the one caused by an infection or any other ear-related problem. It’s a different kind of discomfort – less about the sharp, intense pain and more about a constant, dull ache that doesn’t seem to go away.
The relationship between migraines and ear pain is complex and is thought to be a result of overlapping nerve networks. The trigeminal nerve, known for its role in facial sensations and implicated in migraines, also has connections to the ear, making it a potential source of pain during a migraine.
While ear pain might not be as common or as recognized as some of the other migraine symptoms, its presence can significantly impact an individual’s experience of this condition. Understanding that ear pain can be a part of the migraine symptom profile can help people recognize their unique manifestations of migraines and seek appropriate management strategies. (17)
