What Causes Severe Pain On Eyebrow While Descending During Flight Travel?

Posted on Wed, 1 Jul 2015

Question: Good morning

Last February while i was in a trip to Germany & when the plane start to descend preparing for landing & suddenly when the pressure began to change i felt severe pain just above my left eyebrow . It was horrible .
The severe pain subsided when the plane has landed but still had a pain in the same area for 5 days until totally disapeared .
I bought from Germany Nasal spray on the counter to prevent this pain from my return trip & thanks God . It was fine .
Now i have a long trip to Canada with 2 connections flight & i don't want to feel this pain again . Any recommendation ??
What can be the cause ?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sinus Barotrauma.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. This is Sinus Barotrauma, involving the left frontal sinus.

2. Use an OTC nasal spray containing 0.1% Xylometazoline a hour before the flight. Take regular steam inhalation. Keep a painkiller handy.

3. If this persists, take a two week trial of a steroid nasal spray, anti-allergy medications and steam inhalation. If this fails, get a plain Sinus CT done. Balloon Sinuplasty may be an option in your case, but this will depend upon the CT findings.

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

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (3 minutes later)

But you think it may be something serious ? I ask this question because you are asking for CT scan ?
You made me worry !!

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The Sinus CT is commonly done. It is also the best investigation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. A Sinus CT us the gold standard investigation for sinus problems. It is commonly done if medical therapy fails. Hence there is no cause for worry.

2. In the image, the area that you are pointing to is the left frontal / left supra-orbital region.

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

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 minutes later)

But are you afraid that it may be a tumor or someting ?
It is just went since last Feb .

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not tumor, Sinusitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. No, there is no discussion of a tumor here.

2. Your condition is likely to be a sinusitis, which is very common.

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