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Suggest Treatment For Sinus Headaches And Ear Infection

Posted on Mon, 12 Dec 2016

Question: I had these severe headache this fall. They started as sinus headache but nothing helped them . I was given antibiotics X2 and antihistamine for ear infection. The headache got so bad I would have rated them, on the pain scale, as an 8. I finally went to ER and I was put on a steroid. this help until the steroid ended. I had frontal XRays now and the Dr says ir my L. jaw that the problem. I had TMJ all my life but no real problems with it. I don't understand why the Dr didn't want to do an XRay of my jaw to make sure that the problem. I never had head ache before, other than a mild sinus headache.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (31 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI scan is a better investigation for this.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Arthritis of TM joint can cause a headache. It can also happen due to age related degenerative changes in the cervical spine. The best way to diagnose all these problems is by getting an MRI scan done. It will help in detecting the extent of arthritic changes.
The main treatment in such cases is pain killers, local hot compress, calcium and vitamin D 3 supplements.
Consulting a neurologist will also help in a better diagnosis.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

would not a L. side Xray of my head, showed something if it was TMJ (that were the major pain is). The Dr. only did a frontal. I hate to go to a neurologist unless necessary. I am not sure we even have one in Roswell, NM. We are limited on DR. Would a dentist be of help? We have a good one. He had done some dental work last year and my L jaw and face went numb. Yes I do have TMJ. I had it all my life but with no real problems and I am not sure that the problem now.

I forgot to mention the third DR ENT Dr. gave me Flunisolide Nasal Spray. This is the one who did the frontal XRays. Lately it seems to make the pain worst. Like someone it trying to pull out my sinuses.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dentist will not help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The front X-ray is done to see the sinuses. Hazy sinuses suggest an infection. Lateral view is needed to assess TM joint properly. If it is due to TM joint then do take a mild pain killer and do a hot compress in the area. A dentist is not likely to help in this issue much. It is better to consult an orthopedician.

Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

I believe I told you that I went to the Dr because mild pain relief was not helping. in fact I ended up on opiates. Warm compresses don't work either.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs proper investigations.

Detailed Answer:
Since the pain was severe and needed opiates to control, other causes of headache like migraine and proper investigations like MRI scan are needed to pin point the diagnosis. It is best to consult a neurologist for a proper evaluation.
Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar