Page Contents
OVERVIEW
This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of otalgia. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that we become as familiar as possible with it.
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?
Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Otalgia refers to ear pain.
WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
This can be a sign of a more serious underling condition/infection.
ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL
The differential diagnosis for otalgia can be organized in a few different ways:
- Can’t miss diagnosis
- Organ systen
- Disease category
- Diagnostic modality
- Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”
Now that the possible causes of otalgia have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with otalgia.
- Collecting the history
- Peforming the physical
- Ordering studies/tests
- Intrepreting clinical data
Page Updated: 11.26.2016