Starting Getting Sinus Drainage And Ear Pressure After Head Injury. Should I Be Concerned?

Posted on Fri, 16 Nov 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 Answered on

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I hit my head somewhat hard on a window about 9 hours ago and felt fine after but starting getting sinus drainage and ear pressure, although the ear pressure doesnt hurt. Also it feels like the ear pressure changes after changing my head orientation. Should I go to the ER?

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Kappan (49 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for the query.

I have gone through the details provided with diligence and I feel you need to visit the ER. Sinus discharge and ear pain following a head injury can be concerning. It may be related to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak which can accompany serious head injuries.

Though CSF leaks usually are associated with road traffic injuries where the trauma is very severe and significant, without the detailed examination I cannot absolutely rule out CSF leak in your case.

Watch out for other symptoms such as loss of consciousness, blurring of vision, seizures, bleeding from ear nose or mouth, repeated vomiting etc., which also will need immediate medical attention.

In brief, it would be better to visit the ER.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad