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What Causes Pressure In Head Along With Pressure Around Nose?
Question: I have pressure in my head periodically, which is strange that it isn't all the time. I do have pressure around my nose and sinuses. Nasal passages dry. I use saline drops. I also feel lightheaded. This concerns me at my workplace. Three weeks ago I had an episode in which my eyesight got fuzzy with bright prisms (bight lights around outside)---but with NO pain. It hasn't happened since. Just one single episode, may not have been anything. Had blood workup done--all clear for diabetes. Heart-blood pressure perfect. This current lightheartedness worries me because it's not all the time. I am a 54 year old woman, 230 pounds, sedentary. but trying to get active. I have pains (twinges) in my head that move around so no real headaches--just feels like something is making me lightheaded from my nose to my head. I take daily blood pressure medicate, stomach medication. Always feel like I should "shake my head" and this dizziness will go away.
Brief Answer:
Sinus CT, medication
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query,
1. Get a pre and post decongestion Sinus CT. Try to get the first Scan done when you have the pressure in the head. Immediately after this Scan, request the technician to use 5-8 drops of OTC 0.1% Xylometazoline (such as Otrivin) nasal drops in each nostril, wait for at least 15 minutes and then re-scan. The voltage settings of the CT scan machine may be reduced to decrease the radiation exposure. Comparison of the images will help identify the source of the nasal and sinus obstruction/ pressure. (Do not use these drops for more than 2 weeks).
2. Upload the images here for further treatment options.
3. The issues that now remain are:
a: if the Sinus CT is normal,
b: about the single episode of distortion of vision,
c: near fainting episode and
d: the dizziness.
4. If the Sinus CT is normal, treatment will me medication only. Request a two week trail with a non-sedating anti-histamine (such as fexofenadine), an anti-leukotriene (such as montelukast), a steroid nasal spray (such as fluticasone or mometasone) and regular steam inhalation. If the medication helps, continue and taper off over a few months.
5. Sinusitis can cause the rest of the symptoms. A TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) may also explain this visual distortion and near fainting attack. A Neck Doppler Study will help.
6. I am assuming that by dizziness, you are referring to unsteadiness and not true spinning vertigo.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Sinus CT, medication
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query,
1. Get a pre and post decongestion Sinus CT. Try to get the first Scan done when you have the pressure in the head. Immediately after this Scan, request the technician to use 5-8 drops of OTC 0.1% Xylometazoline (such as Otrivin) nasal drops in each nostril, wait for at least 15 minutes and then re-scan. The voltage settings of the CT scan machine may be reduced to decrease the radiation exposure. Comparison of the images will help identify the source of the nasal and sinus obstruction/ pressure. (Do not use these drops for more than 2 weeks).
2. Upload the images here for further treatment options.
3. The issues that now remain are:
a: if the Sinus CT is normal,
b: about the single episode of distortion of vision,
c: near fainting episode and
d: the dizziness.
4. If the Sinus CT is normal, treatment will me medication only. Request a two week trail with a non-sedating anti-histamine (such as fexofenadine), an anti-leukotriene (such as montelukast), a steroid nasal spray (such as fluticasone or mometasone) and regular steam inhalation. If the medication helps, continue and taper off over a few months.
5. Sinusitis can cause the rest of the symptoms. A TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) may also explain this visual distortion and near fainting attack. A Neck Doppler Study will help.
6. I am assuming that by dizziness, you are referring to unsteadiness and not true spinning vertigo.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, 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
Answered by
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