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What Causes Dizziness And Headache After A Flight Journey?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2015
Question: Hello. I am having a strange dizziness. I came from a flight about 2 hours again, and the dizziness started after 1 hour. Also I felt a little pressure on the back of my head. Is it something serious, or can it be connected with flight?
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No indications of something serious

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

Some might dizziness and headache is a common issue after flying. That is due to pressure changes inside the cabin which can affect both the ear as well as adaptive changes in blood vessel walls which can lead to the above symptoms.

Another explanation is simply neck muscle tension with tension type headache due to the stress and fatigue of the flight, again not allarming.

At times there are concerns of thrombosis and stroke after flight, in particular females taking oral contraceptives, but that applies to long distance flights lasting for many hours, in the case of a flight of only two hours I do not think you have much to worry. Try to stay hydrated, an over the counter antiinflammatory drug like Ibuprofen might be of help.

In case you have any other symptoms do not hesitate to ask further questions.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3672 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness And Headache After A Flight Journey?

Brief Answer: No indications of something serious Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Some might dizziness and headache is a common issue after flying. That is due to pressure changes inside the cabin which can affect both the ear as well as adaptive changes in blood vessel walls which can lead to the above symptoms. Another explanation is simply neck muscle tension with tension type headache due to the stress and fatigue of the flight, again not allarming. At times there are concerns of thrombosis and stroke after flight, in particular females taking oral contraceptives, but that applies to long distance flights lasting for many hours, in the case of a flight of only two hours I do not think you have much to worry. Try to stay hydrated, an over the counter antiinflammatory drug like Ibuprofen might be of help. In case you have any other symptoms do not hesitate to ask further questions.