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What Causes Constant Lightheadedness, Recurrent Ear Infection, Pressure In Temples And Forehead?

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Posted on Wed, 24 Jun 2015
Question: im lightheaded pretty much constantly but varying , there is a pressure in my temples an sometimes at the front of my head , an sometimes a fullness in my ear , this has been going on since September i have seen gp numerous times . with no XXXXXXX , had antibiotics several times for ear infection but they did nothing
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

From reading those symptoms alone my first diagnosis would have also been an ear related issue. I understand that an infection should have responded to multiple courses of antibiotics so other rare causes should be considered like a particular form of migraine called vestibular migraine or an issue related to the nerve coming from your inner ear such as acustic neuroma.
So (while I don't consider neurological lesions very likely if you have no other hearing or neurological symptoms), in order to look for such neurological causes an MRI of the head should be scheduled to exclude acustic neuroma, vascular malformations or multiple sclerosis.
Also I assume you already have had some routine blood tests for anemia or other metabolic issues, but in case you haven't such routine tests like blood count, blood sugar, electrolytes, thyroid function tests are necessary.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (19 hours later)
thanks for your response , i had thought something similar in relation to a migraine like case , but my GP dont seem to think that way , i do have an occasional bad migraine , an they run heavy through my family especially around my age , i have requested an MRI but they are very reluctant and just keep saying it will pass an because i haven't had a head injury there is no point
could i show your response to them
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for that info.

I am not sure what do they mean by having a head injury. I can understand them thinking you have nothing serious, being able to physically examine you they are at in a better position, but saying you haven't had a head injury doesn't make much sense, there are so many other reasons to have a MRI.

Personally as I said before I am optimistic that the MRI will be normal and would have said that it'll pass as well had it been some weeks or a couple of months, but since symptoms have persisted since September, I believe the MRI necessary, not an emergency but should be scheduled. That is unless they have been able to give an explanation to your condition based on their findings.

Of course you can show my response, though they are under no obligation to pay any attention to it.

I hope things will work out for the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (39 minutes later)
Thanks for your help . Hopefully now get it sorted with your help .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thank you.

Detailed Answer:
I sincerely hope that is the case.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Constant Lightheadedness, Recurrent Ear Infection, Pressure In Temples And Forehead?

Brief Answer: Read below. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. From reading those symptoms alone my first diagnosis would have also been an ear related issue. I understand that an infection should have responded to multiple courses of antibiotics so other rare causes should be considered like a particular form of migraine called vestibular migraine or an issue related to the nerve coming from your inner ear such as acustic neuroma. So (while I don't consider neurological lesions very likely if you have no other hearing or neurological symptoms), in order to look for such neurological causes an MRI of the head should be scheduled to exclude acustic neuroma, vascular malformations or multiple sclerosis. Also I assume you already have had some routine blood tests for anemia or other metabolic issues, but in case you haven't such routine tests like blood count, blood sugar, electrolytes, thyroid function tests are necessary. I remain at your disposal for other questions.