Seeking Solutions for Ear and Head Symptoms
At the age of 21, I typically enjoy good health. I don't take any medications, although I do have asthma, which I’ve managed without my inhaler for quite some time. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced multiple ear infections, including two consecutive double infections about a year ago. I abstain from alcohol, have previously quit vaping, maintain a balanced diet, and have reduced exercise lately due to my current health issues. Recently, I began noticing a feeling of fullness in my ears and head, which has persisted for over five months, significantly impacting my life to the point where I had to leave my job. I am often plagued by dizziness and a sensation that my head and ears are vibrating. Consulting with three ear, nose, and throat specialists provided little relief; they all stated my ears appeared normal but didn’t perform a thorough examination. Each time, I felt my concerns were dismissed, and they suggested seeing a neurologist. I have scheduled a visit with a different ENT specialist located farther from my home and have a neurologist appointment coming up in August. Below are the symptoms I am experiencing: 1. Sensation of fullness in the ears 2. Intermittent hearing loss 3. Vibration feeling in my head and ears 4. Occasional sensation of fluid in the ears 5. Dizziness accompanied by ear pain 6. Sensitivity to loud, repetitive sounds, such as air conditioning 7. Increased sensitivity to bright lights 8. Frequent eye twitching and muscle spasms
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 2:40:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a range of concerning symptoms related to fullness in your ears, dizziness, and other uncomfortable sensations. It’s understandable that you feel frustrated, especially after consulting multiple specialists without noticeable improvement. Your symptoms could be related to various underlying issues, and it’s crucial to approach this in a structured way.
Explanation
The sensation of fullness in your ears could stem from several reasons, such as Eustachian tube dysfunction, vestibular system issues, or even migraine-associated vertigo. Your history of ear infections and asthma can complicate these symptoms. Furthermore, dizziness and sensitivity to sounds and lights may suggest a condition affecting your vestibular system or a neurological component. The fact that ENT doctors found no visible abnormalities suggests that thorough investigations, like hearing tests or imaging studies, may be needed by your upcoming specialists.
Next Steps
-
Symptom Tracking: Start a diary to document the severity and frequency of each symptom, noting any triggers (like certain sounds or light levels), which can help both your ENT and neurologist understand patterns and possible correlations.
-
Hydration and Diet: Maintain good hydration and a balanced diet. Consider reducing any potential irritants in your diet, like caffeine and high-sugar foods, which can exacerbate sensitivity or dizziness.
-
Stress Management: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga, which can help alleviate stress related to your symptoms.
-
Gentle Movement: While exercise has declined, consider incorporating light activities like walking or stretching tailored to your comfort level. This can help improve circulation and potentially lessen dizziness.
-
Follow-Up Preparation: Prepare for your neurologist appointment by organizing all your medical history, the outcomes of previous consultations, and bringing your symptom diary. This can assist in getting to the root of your issues more efficiently.
Feeling dismissed by healthcare professionals can be disheartening, but continuing to seek answers is vital. You are taking the right steps by seeking further evaluations with specialists. Remember, prioritizing your well-being and understanding your body’s responses is key. If symptoms worsen, prioritize seeking immediate medical attention. Let me know if you need further information or support.
Related Questions
Should I Be Concerned About My Swollen Tonsil Touching the Uvula After Pain Relief?
Hello everyone, I recently battled what I believe was tonsillitis. I experienced significant soreness in the right side of my throat, experienced trouble when swallowing, and dealt with some discomfort in my ear as well. My right tonsil was noticeably enlarged, nearly making contact with my uvula. After consulting with a physician, I was given a prescription for antibiotics, throat spray, and Vitamin C supplements. Currently, I have completed four days of the antibiotic course. While the pain has substantially subsided—I can now comfortably consume soft foods—the right tonsil remains quite swollen, obstructing that side of my throat and still pressing against the uvula. Although the sharp pain has dissipated, the swelling is still quite pronounced. Is this something to be concerned about? Is it typical for the tonsil to remain enlarged for an extended period, even after several days of medication? I appreciate your insights! 22 years old, 170 cm, 70 kg
Navigating Neuropathy at 28: When Should You Seek Help?
Age: 28 Gender Identity: Female, FtM (they/them!) Current Medications: Effexor, Atenolol, Pepcid, Depo Testosterone Medical History: Diagnosed with POTS, Fibromyalgia, and a peptic ulcer. Hello everyone, I have been living with POTS since 2017 and fibromyalgia since 2020, although I suspect I had both much earlier. Two persistent issues I've struggled with for over five years are peripheral neuropathy and allodynia. My doctor is aware of these conditions, but they were so mild initially that they hardly warranted discussion during my diagnosis. Recently, however, both symptoms have worsened significantly. When I remain still—whether seated or lying down—I experience tingling sensations radiating through my legs. Additionally, resting on my side causes my hand to clench uncontrollably into a painful, numb fist, which only feels worse as sensation gradually returns. As someone who enjoys creating art, it’s frustrating that gripping a pencil or my phone for too long leads to numbness in my hand and wrist, along with sharp discomfort. I’m already implementing stretches and techniques to mitigate the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. The allodynia manifests as painful patches the size of my hand on my thighs, ankles, and forearms that feel like they are raw or have been irritated with sandpaper or stinging nettle, even though there are no visible issues. This discomfort intensifies when I’m fatigued and at rest, especially as I attempt to drift off to sleep. Unfortunately, these symptoms are starting to disrupt my daily life more than before. What used to be just a mild annoyance has escalated into a persistent challenge that can interfere with both my rest and my creative work. On a pain scale, I’d rate it around a 3 or 4, but its constancy makes it quite bothersome. My primary concern is whether there are effective remedies for this type of pain. Should I consult my doctor, and subsequently a neurologist? Or would it be more beneficial to concentrate on cognitive therapies and stretching exercises, simply adopting coping methods? I fear that these pains may simply be another aspect of living with fibromyalgia, and I might have to resign myself to that reality, but I cannot shake the uncertainty.
Distinguishing Between FND Shutdowns, NES, and Autonomic Mini Storms
The title sums it up well, but I’d like to delve deeper into the topic. I’m seeking clarification on how to differentiate among functional neurological disorder (FND) shutdowns, non-epileptic seizures (NES), and autonomic mini storms. Additionally, I am curious about the methods my neurologist might use to assess my condition. I am a 28-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing between 100 and 105 pounds, with slight fluctuations in weight that matter to me. I am a smoker and formerly consumed alcohol, although I no longer do so. I have children and battle multiple health issues, including dysautonomia, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, and severe endometriosis. On the mental health front, I have been diagnosed with ADHD, complex PTSD, and potentially bipolar disorder, though I personally believe that my struggles with brain fog and ADHD significantly impede my mood and daily life. Currently, I am on the lowest possible doses of fludrocortisone and propranolol. Approximately two and a half weeks ago, I began experiencing recurring "episodes," and they have been incredibly distressing. During these times, I tremble, sweat excessively, and my heart rate and blood pressure deviate from what is normal for me. I often find myself unable to move or speak. While I usually retain consciousness, I unfortunately lost it during a particularly severe episode the other day. I have an upcoming appointment with my neurologist in a few days, but my anxiety is pushing me to want to understand what I might expect and how to communicate my experiences effectively. I managed to record a milder episode, but I haven’t been able to capture the more intense ones yet; I consider myself fortunate to have documented that one. Given my dysautonomia, I can’t help but wonder if it plays a role in my episodes or exacerbates them. For further insight, I’ll share that during a significant episode, my mother had to call emergency services. When they arrived, they conducted an EKG, which indicated I might have had an anterior heart attack. Immediately following the episode, my heart rate soared above 160 beats per minute, but by the time I reached the hospital, I was back to what is normal for me (albeit I have ongoing irregularities, including some tachycardia and occasionally bradycardia). I haven’t pinpointed specific triggers for these episodes, although heat seems to be a factor among others. During an episode, I often shake intensely, feeling cold despite profuse sweating. My eyes may oscillate between being open and closed, and I frequently experience sensations akin to choking. Despite being able to see and hear when my eyes are open, my perception feels distorted, as if I were submerged in water. My mouth dries out, and I struggle to articulate words. Just before the onset, a wave-like sensation washes over me, accompanied by nausea. I typically rest with my legs elevated, but this rarely alleviates my symptoms. The experience is draining and painful, causing me to unwittingly curl into a fetal position or kick out in distress, with emotional aftermaths often leaving me in tears. Based on all this, do my symptoms align with any of the conditions mentioned? What are the probable steps my neurologist will take during my upcoming visit? I’m feeling apprehensive and apologize for the somewhat scattered nature of my narrative; my brain fog has been quite pronounced lately. Thank you so much in advance for your help! Extra appreciation to those who made it through my lengthy description! P.S. I have some additional diagnoses that I need to discuss as well.
Can Spoiled Milk Transmit Prion Diseases Like vCJD?
Hello everyone, this is my first time posting here, so I hope I'm adhering to the guidelines. I’m feeling quite anxious right now. Lately, I’ve been dealing with some low moods, but I finally mustered the motivation to tidy up my dorm. In the corner near my front entrance, I discovered the remnants of a milk spill that occurred around two months ago. While I can't recall the exact brand, it was likely just conventional full-cream milk that had been pasteurized and homogenized. Clearly, it had spoiled, and although I'd thrown away the bottle long ago, some of the milk had leaked, leaving a stain on the floor. While cleaning the mess a little while ago, my hand brushed against the area where the residue was. Now, I'm quite anxious because I can’t shake off the thought that the proteins in that spoiled milk might have misfolded and begun creating prions, leaving me at risk of infection. I realize this may sound irrational, especially since I'm undergoing treatment for anxiety; however, prions genuinely frighten me, and I would appreciate any insights about whether this is a valid concern. Just for context, I’m in Australia, where there have supposedly been no reported cases of BSE or vCJD, but you can never be too sure. Thank you so much for any help!
Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome
A 45-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 250 pounds, experienced an incident on March 16 where he fell and struck the back of his head. Initially, he endured headaches for several days, which he managed with Advil. However, on March 25, while attending college, he began to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and weak. Seeking advice from an EMT instructor, she suggested it was likely a concussion and recommended a visit to urgent care. Since urgent care was unable to provide the necessary treatment, he was directed to the emergency room. While in the ER waiting area, he noticed a decline in his cognitive abilities. When the triage nurse inquired about the reason for his visit along with other standard questions, he found himself struggling to respond accurately. For instance, when asked for his address, he only provided the name of his city instead of the full street address. Once admitted to the ER, a CT scan was conducted, which fortunately revealed no signs of a brain bleed. After some questioning, the attending physician noted that he had trouble with responses and, following additional assessments, identified him as having a moderate concussion. Consequently, he was referred to a neurologist who arranged for concussion therapy. As he departed the ER, he started to notice a gradual recovery of his cognitive functions. Over the next three months, he experienced fluctuating symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and feelings of lightheadedness. Approximately two weeks ago, while at work, he experienced another episode of confusion reminiscent of his earlier ER visit. He has three inquiries regarding his condition: 1) If he experiences confusion again, should someone escort him to the ER or call for emergency assistance? 2) What kind of support can the emergency room provide in such situations? 3) If he ends up being admitted to the hospital, what typically occurs during that process?