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What Causes Sensitivity To Certain Noises Along With Migraine Headaches?

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Posted on Wed, 7 Dec 2016
Question: Hello
I have had trouble in my left ear for about 6 years now and after seeing many doctors, nothing has given
me any relief.
My head feels like I have a clamp on it all the time and often leads to a migraine headache.
It is sensitive to sound and I have lost some hearing in it, I have to plug my ear when any type of
household machines are on, washing machine etc.
My balance is bad. Mornings are the worst when I get up but this all feels a little better as the day goes on.
Strange as it may seem, I feel my best when I am driving my car
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (24 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Vestibular dysfunction.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The reason that you feel better while driving your car is likely to be due to the fact that you have to keep head movement to a minimum. I would also rule out early Parkinson's Disease.

2. The headache and migraine can be due to muscle spasm while trying to hold the head steady.

3. The discomfort with machine sounds is usually due to a common phenomenon known as 'recruitment' where there is a abnormal increase in loudness to normal sounds.

4. This seems to be a vestibular dysfunction (ine sided or both). Drug induced imbalance, joint and muscle pains should be ruled out.

5. A video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) or a Caloric test should be done. This can be combined with a Videonystagmography (VNG).

6. Upload these test results for further discussion on treatment options.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (7 hours later)
Dear
Dr. Bhakt
To continue I would like to now why
1. When I ly down I can not ly on my back. when I sit up slowly I get dizzy
and get like a shock feeling that goes thru my head.
My mornings are very uncomfortable and it improves as the day goes by.
2. The medication Cerk helps me a little but I hear its not to safe to take this'
very often.
3. Can you suggest anything that will help me to feel better in this regard.
4. If I have company and am having a good time, I do not notice this near as
much but silence is bad!!! I play the harp and enjoy music as long as its not too loud
Thank you for your information , you are very helpful
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. People usually prefer to lie down with the affected ear up and not on their back. The dizziness when you sit up slowly is likely to be due to a component of positional vertigo (BPPV - which is very common) or Migraine. This is where the VNG (Videonystagmography) is important.

2. Peripheral vertigo is fatigueable, which means the dizziness will decrease during the day.

3. If the medication is Serc (betahistine), it is safe. I am not aware of any medication brand named 'Cerk'.

4.Being in company and listening to music diverts your attention and masks tinnitus.

5. Get these examinations and tests done.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

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What Causes Sensitivity To Certain Noises Along With Migraine Headaches?

Brief Answer: Vestibular dysfunction. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. The reason that you feel better while driving your car is likely to be due to the fact that you have to keep head movement to a minimum. I would also rule out early Parkinson's Disease. 2. The headache and migraine can be due to muscle spasm while trying to hold the head steady. 3. The discomfort with machine sounds is usually due to a common phenomenon known as 'recruitment' where there is a abnormal increase in loudness to normal sounds. 4. This seems to be a vestibular dysfunction (ine sided or both). Drug induced imbalance, joint and muscle pains should be ruled out. 5. A video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) or a Caloric test should be done. This can be combined with a Videonystagmography (VNG). 6. Upload these test results for further discussion on treatment options. I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them. Regards.