Suggest Treatment For Cluster Headaches And Thumping Sound In Ears

Posted on Tue, 25 Nov 2014

Question: I am taking Indometacin 50mg 3 times a day for a cluster headache which after a relapse a few weeks ago is now easing, but during the last few days I have been getting a pounding sensation in my ears which matches my heartbeat on an intermittent basis in the evenings/overnight. I have been on the Indometacin for approx 11 weeks. Should I be concerned by the pounding ?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cluster headache & thumping sound in the ears

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Benign intracranial hypertension or Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) can cause a thumping sound in the ears. This sound will be accompanied by headaches and visual disturbances and is more common in middle aged women than other groups.Cluster-like headache can be related to IIH. Cluster
headache can be caused or triggered by IIH. You need to undergo Fundoscopy to exclude papilloedema and a review by neurologist.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (7 hours later)

Hi Dr Biswas,

I have been formally diagnosed with a cluster headache which started in late August & has nearly subsided. As per my original query, I have only in the last few days started the nocturnal thumping in my ears after approx 11 weeks being on Indometacin, surely the CH has not being caused or triggered by IIH otherwise the 'thumping' would have been apparent at the outset? Is it not more likely to be due to a side effect of the high dosage NSAID?

Regards

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Indomethacin & pounding in the ears

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Indomethacin can rarely cause pounding in the ears as side effect. As you have given the further details of your ailment, likely cause of nocturnal thumping in ears is due to Indomethacin. It is most noticeable in bed at night when external visual and auditory inputs are minimum and visceral sensations are prominent. Stopping Indomethacin and switching over to some other suitable NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) is recommended. If the sensation still persist, you can go further investigation to rule out IIH.
yours
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj