12 years of head pain

[DavidC123]

Woke up some 12 years ago with a slight ring in my ears. Did a little research and wrote it off to Tinnitus. For the first 3-4 years it was seemingly intermittent and now accompanied with a headache. Intermittent as in when my mind was occupied it was hardly noticeable. The next 3-4 years it grew into something less intermittent. No longer could I push it aside with mental stimuli. It's not a headache that comes and goes or changes intensity over short periods. It is there when I wake up and there when I go to bed. It is there if I awaken for a few moments in the middle of the night and it's accompanying ring is ever present. Over the past 4-5 years it has continued to grow in intensity or, not to put to fine a point on it, pain. I notice the changes over months and years, not hours, days or weeks. A neurologist and full battery of testing, along with multiple prescriptions has led me no closer to an answer. I found it somewhat frustrating to get the various physicians I have seen to understand what's happening. It's not a migraine or tension headache, it's not triggered by anything and is no more or less severe on the time scale of a day or a week. It is my constant companion and after 12 years has begun to reach a level of intensity that is alarming. Average Joe would likely jump off a bridge if he were to jump into my head. I have no such desires as it is amazing how much one can endure when an affliction is brought on slowly and methodically. The real alarm is in the question "Will it ever level off or will it continue to grow in intensity"? Wish I knew, as I am close to resigning to the idea that it will be with me the rest of my life. I am 55 and that will be a good long time from now. Nothing I have ever found on the internet has led me to believe I will find relief. I read of those with similar conditions in there 15th, 20th and 30th year, or more. Though holding out hope is always good for ones mental outlook. There is no solace in knowing I am not alone, as I would not wish this on another human being. The key, I have found, is to forge ahead with life. This is my life and I will live it.  Brain pain be damned. Good luck and best wishes to any other out there who knows where I am. That being said...... ANYONE OUT THERE FIND SOME RELIEF TO A SIMILAR PROBLEM!!!!!! If you are not sure about what I am describing, you have something else. If you have what I've got, you know it, and any good news or a possible direction not thought of would be appreciated.

[wingman1]

Hi David, I have a tip to provide relief if the tinnitus ever get a little out of hand or too annoying.  Try this.  Make a deep 'umm' sound (like the buddists!)  as you are doing this you have to kind of gulp or swallow and hold it there.  I think this helps move a muscle in your ear which people often use to equalize air preasure.  Either way the aim is to move the umm into your ears kind of thing.  Hard to explain but when you get it right the sound of the umm will suddenly increase in vibration and intensity.  Once you've got the technique umm for a few minutes in low tones.  Try varying the frequency also.  You can try this with your ears underwater in the bath also which i found works well.  Anyway I found this provides some relief at times.

[DavidC123]

I will. Here's to finding answers for both of us.

[AKC_75]

My Neuro is saying we may try Botox for my migraines soon, as well.

Let us know what happens, ok?

[DavidC123]

Hello AKC_75, wish I could say I was glad to be here lol. Yes I did the ENT with the hearing test and all that goes along with ENT's. He kicked me back to my neurologist. Just got off the latest medication of Propranolol, after 60 days I felt no effect on my head. Other than it made me feel worse in other ways. Back to the neurologist Dec. 2, she is talking about Botox injections into my skull.... Oh goody... Can't wait.