"brainfreeze" feeling while inhaling

[sockedipocke]

Hi, i'm getting a "hard to describe feeling" in my head when i'm breathing in. Its a feeling like the ice-cream-brainfreeze behind my right ear and sometimes towards the front of the head. The strange thing is that this does not happen all the time but only while smoking or with different smells like from orange juice, paint thinner etc. This started about 8 weeks ago, thought it might be related to neck pain i have for years. blood tests all normal, x-ray done but waiting on results, doctors here were so far a waste of time, does anybody has an idea what to do?

Thanks and merry Christmas from Ireland

[sockedipocke]

Actually I do have severe neck pain for years on the right side just before the spine enters the skull. That was the main reason why I asked to get an X-Ray done (still waiting...). I didn't think its relevant as the described pain happens during smoking or inhaling fumes (doesn't happen if i close up the nostrils eg.).
As I said, it's very hard to describe, i could almost describe it as the inhaled substance is getting inside the head (feels like cold air). it is not severe, rather uncomfortable and disappears after half a minute.
The neck pain is almost permanent, "cracking" the neck (quick move from one side to the other) gives a short relief. I didn't consult since moved here, getting medical attention in this country can be quite a mission (... a long mission...) but i'll ask the GP to get an appointment with a neurologist organized (If she can find any here... :-) )

Thank you for taking the time and the advice.

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Your symptoms are unusual in that they only have specific triggers. One diagnosis that comes to mind is neuralgia. Occipital neuralgia is caused by irritation or injury to one of the two nerves that run from the upper neck to the back of the head. The irritation could be due to  neck trauma, pinching of the nerves (by muscles or arthritis), and other causes. Symptoms include a piercing sharp pain that travels from the upper neck to the back of the head and behind the ears. It is usually a one sided pain but can be on both sides of the head. Treatment includes physical therapy, medications, and in some cases injections, "nerve blocks", during which a physician injects the irritated nerves with an anesthetic. However, to my knowledge the pain of occipital neuralgia is not typically triggered by inhalation etc. Other potential types of neuralgia that can cause ear pain include glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Face pain with triggers such as touching the face could be due to trigeminal neuralgia.

I recommend that you be evaluated by a neurologist. After he/she examines you, he/she may choose to order additional testing such as an MRI, and after diagnosis there may be treatment that may be beneficial to your symptoms.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[Rob2008]

I have no clue what is wrong with you,    but I have also noticed from time to time that taking a deep breath causes pain in my head for some reason.    I think it might be due to muscular strain involved in taking a deep breath (but I am probably wrong)