What is the cause of shooting pain behind right ear?

Shooting pain behind the right ear can have several causes. Some common causes include:

1. Trigeminal Neuralgia: This is a chronic condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for providing sensation to the face, including the area around the ear. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by sudden, severe, and stabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock.

2. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: TMJ disorders involve problems with the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. These disorders can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, around the ear, and even radiating to the head and neck.

3. Cervicogenic Headaches: Cervicogenic headaches originate from the cervical spine (neck) and can cause referred pain behind the ear. Tightness, inflammation, or irritation of the muscles, nerves, or joints in the neck can trigger these headaches.

4. Occipital Neuralgia: Occipital neuralgia is a condition that affects the occipital nerves, which provide sensation to the back of the head and neck. When these nerves become irritated or compressed, they can cause pain that may radiate behind the ear.

5. Ear Infections (Otitis): Severe or chronic ear infections, such as otitis media or externa, can cause pain, inflammation, and pressure in the ear, which can sometimes be felt behind the ear as well.

6. Sinusitis: Infections or inflammation of the sinuses, particularly the sphenoid sinus, can cause pain that radiates to the back of the head and behind the ears.

7. Mastoiditis: Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and tenderness in the area behind the ear.

It's important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing shooting pain behind your right ear to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.