Going over the edge

[TNT041490]

My symptoms started 2 years ago.  First, there was frequent headaches.  Then, when I would sneeze or cough, I would have severe pain in my forehead and temples for 2-3 seconds afterwards with occasional vision loss during that time.  The vision just kind of fades out and comes back.  90% of the time, this triggers a regular headache that lasts a couple hours.  Along with this, I have episodes of dizziness and nausea.  Then, 2 months ago I began noticing a fluttering in my ears that would drive me up the wall, felt like a butterfly in my ears.  I went to the doctor who said I have fluid in my ears, that my eardrums were bulging.  I was put on a decongestant and antihistamine.  It's been a month, and now I am worse.  Last week, I woke up one morning and coughed.  This triggered a full blown migraine.  I have never had a migraine before.  I couldn't even function.  I just sat in the dark, hurting too bad to even cry.  Anybody else have anything similar?  Any suggestions?

[margypops]

I have symptoms similar though not as bad as you. I ma pretty certain mine are due to allergies, like you I have no answers but I do know both myself and the dh have the same thing, so I am sure is environmental .

[Nancy T]

Sorry you aren't feeling better yet, but hopefully your treatments will work soon and your doctor will continue working with you until you get some relief!

Yes, sounds like you have more than one thing going on...sometimes it's hard to deal with multiple issues, but if you have a good doctor who will stick with you and figure it out, that's really important.

Good luck and thanks for letting us know the results of your tests!

[TNT041490]

The MRI/MRA came back with good news, kinda.  :-)   My sinuses and ears are full of fluid.  So, I'm now on an antihistamine, decongestant, corticosteroids and antibiotics.  So far I don't feel much better, but it's only been 5 days for the antibiotics, so I've still got some optimism. I was a little skeptical about the sinus infection diagnosis since I have been having the headaches for 2 years, but the doctor said that I probably have 2 different issues, one being the sinus issue and then some people just have what is called exertional headaches with no known cause.  A person can have severe pain upon sneezing, coughing, bending over, etc.  As long as the MRI/MRA is clear then there really isn't an explanation for it. But, I'm not going to stress over it, because he wants me to come back in a couple weeks if it's not better.  He said it could be viral, causing a possible neuritis  in my ears which could take months to clear up.  He's a good doctor.  I don't think he will give up on me if it is something more than just a sinus infection.

[Nancy T]

Sounds like your docs are on the right track! I hope you get a correct diagnosis and relief from your symptoms. Good luck.

[TNT041490]

I'm scheduled for an MRI/MRA on Thursday and have an appointment with an ENT doc next week.  Fingers are crossed.

[TNT041490]

Yeah, the new medication hasn't helped at all, so I definitely plan on calling the doctor Monday.  The fluttering in my ears and the headache is just insane.  I've done some research online, hoping for something simple like a sinus issue, but I've also seen some of the more "not so good" possibilities.  

[Nancy T]

Does not sound like all those symptoms are from migraine,unless it is one of those migraines that becomes continuous; that's possible, perhaps. But it could be something else more serious, too. Have you had MRI or any other testing? Been to any specialists?

Since you've already given this a month, I think you should get insistent with your doctor about finding the cause, or being referred to a specialist such as an  ENT, eye doctor, and/or neurologist. Why wait another week when a month hasn't helped?

Good luck; I hope they get it figured out. Sounds like your doctor is being way too unconcerned about this.

[TNT041490]

Thank you for answering. Today, I called my physician. A month's worth of antihistamines and decongestants just haven't worked.  The pressure in my head and ears is just unbelievable.  Just in the last couple of days I've even developed hearing loss along with the fluttering in my ears.  My vision is all warped too, and the headache just will not go away even with these medications and Excedrin.  He gave me one week.  If it's not better, then I am to come in and see him again or see an ENT doc.  My fingers are crossed.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Migraines as you know are intense headaches sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting and altered visual sensations. Cure can be in terms of avoiding trigger factors.  You can prevent the occurrence of headaches by avoiding trigger factors that induce an attack. Alcohol, smoking, altered sleep patterns, missed meals, loud sounds, odd smells, physical or emotional stress and certain additive foods are known to trigger attacks. In short if you eat a well balanced diet, exercise moderately and lead a stress free life then you will be successful in preventing attacks. If attacks are worsening or are not controlled with the medication, please consult your primary care physician.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.