What Causes Headache And Strange Sensations In Right Breast?

Posted on Fri, 8 May 2015

Question: I have been having a headache in the back of my head (right side) for about a week. I saw my GP on Tuesday and he said there was a lot of fluid in my right ear and it was inflamed. He prescribed 500 mg of amoxicillin to be taken 3 times a day for ten days and prednisone for the inflammation. So far, my symptoms have not improved. I am concerned that it could be a brain tumor because i h a 've also experienced strange sensations in my right breast for about 2 months. My gyn says t h a t is hormonal because I am in premenopausal. I am 51 years old.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
mammogram; follow up if headache not resolving

Detailed Answer:
Helllo and thank you for your question.
Brain tumors are not that common so it is more likely that your headache is related to your infected ear. It can take 1-2 weeks for the pain from a severely infected ear to calm down so wait at least that long to see if the headache will not go away. Also make sure you are drinking plenty of water, at least 6 eight ounce glasses each day. Dehydration makes headaches worse and makes it harder for infections to clear. Also avoid caffeine and alcohol because they can make dehydration worse. Take a multivitamin and an extra vitamin C daily to help with getting rid of the infection.
The breast sensation could be from hormonal shifts but make sure you are getting mammograms regularly.
I hope you are feeling better soon,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

I had a breast biopsy on my right breast in January of 2014. The small cysts were benign and I had a follow up mammogram last XXXXXXX I am experiencing extreme anxiety and have been for over a year. The anxiety h a s worsened as my new symptoms have developed. Advil or Tylenol do nothing to relieve the pain that I have in the back of my head. Sleep sometimes helps, but t he stress is causing insomnia. Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
thank you for the follow up

Detailed Answer:
It sounds like things are good with your breasts but it can be very alarming to have them find something and have to do a biopsy.
The water is key with the headache and as long as you do not have hypertension you could take up to 800mg of advil three times a day to try and calm down the headache. Make sure you take it with food since you are on the steroids as well
I hope you are feeling better soon.
If the headache is not resolving soon go back to your doctor or to Emergency
Try 25-50 mg of benadryl for sleep and consider talking to your doctor about a medication or referral to counselor for the anxiety.
Dr. Robinson

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

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 hours later)

I forgot to mention that my right ear occasionally turns red and feels hot to touch. This just started a couple of days ago. Could this be a side effect of meds or something thing else? Also dealing with upper spine soreness. I have had this before, but it is quite intense currently. I have scoliosis. Sorry to bother you again. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
hi and thanks for the follow up

Detailed Answer:
The ear turning red is probably due to the inflammation seen by your GP the antibiotics and steroids should help with that.
There are many things that can cause upper spine pain. If you have scoliosis it may help to see a physical therapist or chiropractor to get some relief for your back. I hope you are feeling better soon.
Dr. Robinson

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