Strange Pulsating Sensation in the Head, Neck, and Ears
I appreciate your patience with this lengthy message! For quite a while, I’ve been enduring some peculiar sensations since I encountered a concussion—unrelated to my current issues. Dizziness has become a constant companion, manifesting as a sensation of imbalance, similar to being on a boat or the feeling of descending rapidly in an elevator. Approaching the two-year mark since my injury, I often find myself feeling overwhelmed and struggling to concentrate. Despite trying various treatments, progress has been minimal, though vestibular therapy has provided some relief. I underwent a brain MRI without contrast, which showed no abnormalities. This prompted me to explore other potential factors affecting my well-being. I’m a 20-year-old female, and I experience a whooshing sound in my right ear primarily when I lie down at night. It resembles the rhythm of my heartbeat, indicative of pulsatile tinnitus. Initially faint, this sound intensifies before gradually fading within a few seconds and typically does not return until the following night. Additionally, when I point my gaze downward, like looking under my bed while lying down, I'm hit with a significant pressure in my head and face, accompanied by the whooshing in my ear once more. This sensation makes me feel lightheaded and a bit weak, as if my face is weighed down. Standing up after long periods of sitting leads to another whooshing sensation at the back of my head, akin to a rush of blood, which also passes quickly. Headaches are infrequent, although I do often experience tightness and dull pain in my neck and shoulders, which heat helps alleviate. Despite these symptoms, my doctor seems unconcerned, suggesting that it would only be alarming if I exhibited high blood pressure, which remains at an average or lower level. My neurologist speculated that it may merely be low blood pressure, assuring me that significant issues would have been detected by now. Throughout the day, I occasionally feel faint, though I have only fainted once in my life due to dehydration and overheating in a hot bath, causing a concussion when I fell. Although I cannot recall precisely which side I hit, I remember the pain on the left side of my neck while the whooshing occurs on the right. I occasionally notice my vision pulsating, particularly after physical exertion, like running up the stairs—this lasts just a handful of seconds. Furthermore, applying pressure to my eyes can obscure my peripheral vision momentarily, which quickly resolves. I’m increasingly worried about these symptoms, but it seems like the medical professionals aren’t taking my concerns seriously. To clarify, I’m not overweight—I weigh approximately 120 pounds and am 5 feet 4 inches tall.
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 2:30:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience; it sounds challenging and understandably worrying. Let's focus on the key symptoms you're experiencing: the pulsating sensation in your head, neck, and ears, along with dizziness and pressure changes. While these symptoms can be linked to various conditions, we can approach management and self-care based on what you've described.
Summary of Main Points:
- The pulsating sound in your ear and dizziness may be linked to previous concussion effects or changes in blood flow.
- Symptoms like lightheadedness could correlate with your posture or blood circulation.
- It's important to monitor your symptoms and take steps to manage them.
Explanation:
After a concussion, symptoms can sometimes persist or evolve into conditions such as vestibular migraines or post-concussion syndrome, which can cause dizziness, balance issues, and sometimes auditory symptoms like tinnitus. The whooshing sound you're hearing in your ear, known as pulsatile tinnitus, could relate to changes in blood flow or other factors post-injury.
The pressure and lightheadedness experienced when changing your head position suggest that your body's response to gravity and blood circulation might be altered. Tightness in your neck and shoulders can contribute to headaches and overall discomfort, often stemming from tension or posture issues.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Maintain a Symptom Journal: Begin tracking your symptoms more closely—note when they occur, their intensity, and any possible triggers. This can aid understanding patterns and discussing them further with your healthcare provider.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and eating balanced meals. This supports general health and helps maintain stable blood pressure which can prevent lightheadedness.
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Gradual Movements: When transitioning positions (like standing up from sitting), do so slowly to give your body time to adjust. Take a few moments before standing fully to see if this helps reduce lightheadedness.
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Posture and Ergonomics: Be mindful of your posture, especially during prolonged activities such as reading or using devices. Regular breaks and stretching can alleviate neck and shoulder tension.
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Vestibular Rehabilitation: Continue with vestibular therapy, as it has shown some effectiveness. Communicate with your therapist about all symptoms to tailor the program to your current needs.
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Follow-up Appointments: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider discussing with your doctor about the possibility of seeing a specialist focused on vestibular disorders or even a second opinion. It’s crucial your concerns are heard and addressed fully.
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Stress Management: Incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can provide relief from anxiety caused by these symptoms.
If you experience any sudden changes, such as severe headaches, significant vision changes, or worsening of other symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. You're not alone in your concerns, and it's important to advocate for your health and well-being. Let me know if you need further information on any specific aspect!
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