Head rush sensation when dreaming

[mariaten]

I have been having this problem off and on for about 6 months and I have talked to my primary doctor and ENT with no real answer.  I typically wake up early around 4:30 am and then as I am trying to go back to sleep after about 5 minutes of dreaming I start to have a strange head rush sensation with almost a whooshing sound/pressure around my ears.  I wake up immediately and it goes away within seconds, but if I start to drift back to sleep it will do it again.  It is really concerning and I am not sure what to do.  I do have eustachian tube dysfunction and some problems with my sinus that I am taking Flonase for.  Should I be seeing a neurologist? My primary doctor does not think so and feels it may be a manifestation of anxiety.  I also notice it more a week or so prior to my menstrual cycle.  It is really starting to scare me.  Thank you.  

[mariaten]

Thank you so much for your response.  I do have another question regarding this.  Why is it that I only notice this sensation in the early morning hours when I am in a light/dreaming sleep state?  Is the Eustachian tube suppose to move to equalize pressure during dreaming?  I experienced this sensation again this morning three times as I drifted back into a dream state of sleep.  It typically stops after 5 to 10 seconds of waking up.  But I do feel a lot of pressure in head and nose off and on all day.  Also when I tried to do the valsalva maneuver I can only get my right ear to pop but not my left.  Thanks again for your time.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
The symptoms are probably due to Eustachian tube block causing problem with pressure organs in the ear. Try valsalva maneuver (take a deep breath and blow while pinching your nostrils shut and closing your mouth). This will help clear the secretions in the tube that connects the back of your throat with your ear. Doing this maneuver 2-3 times after taking steam gives the best result. Repeat this maneuver at least 5-6 times a day. Take steam before going to bed and first thing in morning when you wake up due to the symptoms. This should help you. If it does not, please re-consult the ENT specialist. Hope this helps. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.