Re: Link Between Tension-type headache and tinnitus?

Posted By CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS on December 21, 1998 at 18:58:39:

In Reply to: Link Between Tension-type headache and tinnitus? posted by Dave on December 20, 1998 at 21:07:23:






I posted on Dec.7 regarding tension-type headache. What I forgot to mention is that I've always had what I consider a mild form of tinnitus, but it has gotten worse with these "headaches" or a better way to describe it is a tightening of my head. The noise is very high pitched, and more noticeable when my sorroundings are quiet. The ENT said I should have a hearing test. Everything was normal, but it didnt answer any questions as to what was causing this.
  I've also noticed that even when  these "headaches" are not present I still have a lightheaded type feeling at times. Is there links between tinnitus, tension type headaches, and or lightheadedness? Or is this an indication of something more serious which should be looked at by a specialist?
P.S- Im very frustrated by physicians(ENT, Neurolgist, primary care physician) that I've seen recently that havent really helped me, havent made me feel more at ease about everything by stating that more medical tests are not necessary, kind of blowing off everything I told them as nothing serious even though everything I've decribed in this and the other post as relatively new occurrences, and giving me useless drugs that made me feel worse.
Dear Dave:
Sorry to hear about all your problems.  I have had patients tell me that they hear noises while they have their headache or just before.  However, hearing noises all the time is probably not due to the headaches.  There can be an electrolyte imbalance within the inner ear that can cause people to hear sounds.  Sounds can also be heared just because the artery that runs near that nerve lies too close and the pulsation of the artery can give a noise that people hear.  The most common reason for people to hear noises is middle ear fluid due to blocked sinuses.  Without examining you and getting the complete history it is difficult to try and diagnose you.  It doesn't sound like an inner ear problem as you do not have vertigo.  I guess the best solution is to get a second opinion from an ENT doctor.  Best of luck.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD