Constant Pain Back Rt Side of Head

[serene1198]

In June of 2007 I was diagnosed with labrynthitis, which if you ask me, has not totally gone away.   Since then I have pressure in the back of my head on the right side (Cerebellum) area.  When the pain gets really bad, I feel alot of pressure in my ear and I lose most of my hearing.  At times stationary objects appear to be moving, and I have dizzy spells (standing/sitting).  There are mornings when I wake up after 8-9 hours sleep, and the room is spinning like I am intoxicated or all the oxygen has been cutoff to my brain.  If I don't get up right away to stop the spinning, I vomit. This only happens when I lay on my back with a  pillow under my neck.  I have explained all this to my neurologist.  I have been for 3 MRI's since November.  The last one being yesterday.  The first MRI was to check the nerves in my middle ear, which were normal.  The MRI showed a cyst in my pineal gland.  The doctor at the MRI center would not issue a report on the second scan because they needed more images. ??  Friday was a more detailed scan of the area slightly above my cerebellum, and the pineal gland cyst.  I know I'm not crazy, but I feel that they are somehow connected.  I have never suffered from headaches before.  The pressure pain is always there, and there are times the pain gets so bad I get sick.  During the extreme pain it hurts to chew, cough, or talk.  The pain in the ear causes my eyes to tear.

Lately my tiredness is getting worse.  I can sleep for 8-10 hours and I feel exhausted when I wake up.  I'm a single Mom, and this has really affected my family.  I wish I knew why this was happening.
If anyone can give me a clue, I would really appreciate it.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

I understand the anxiety that comes with waiting for a lab result. However,it is wise not to jump into any conclusions until the results of the third scan is available.The results will be able to give us a clue on what causes the pain. As I have mentioned earlier , a pineal cyst rarely causes any symptoms.There are other differentials to consider here such as a cervicogenic headache or headaches brought about by spine disorders.Is your labyrinthitis being managed?Are you still experiencing vertigo and vomiting?

It is best to just wait for the scan and just keep us posted regarding your physician's advice.Inform your physician regarding any changes in the character of your headaches.

[serene1198]

Hi,

Thank you for responding.

I do not have the results of the test yet.  I have to wait 48 hours after the MRI to obtain them.  I have been explaining the problems to my neurologist.  The first time I saw him, he ordered a test where I had these wires on top of my head and on my ear lopes.  He stated that the results were normal.  I then went for an MRI that focued on my inner ear and nerves.  This was in November, and this is when they discovered the cyst.  He would not give me details on the size, etc.  I figured it was because the test was for my ears and nerve endings.  The second MRI was the first week of January, and the MRI center called me the next day to inform me that I needed to come back because the doctor reading the images would not issue a report without further images.  I went back Friday.  I asked the gentlemen who was assisting me where they were focusing this time.  He stated that they were focusing on the area just above the cerebellum, and the cyst area, and that I should refrain from any movement as this test was even more sensitive to movement than the other tests.  

Unfortunately,  my appointment with the neurologist is not until the 28th.

Its strange you mentioned compressing surrounding areas because I cannot move my head all the way to the right without feeling an extremely sharp pain in the same area where the pain always is.  It almost feels like I am pinching a nerve.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

I know that your condition is giving you a hard time.

Do you have the results of the scans with you including the latest one done?

A pineal cyst is usually asymptomatic unless it enlarges and compresses surrounding structures.However, in your case has the doctor mentioned any concern regarding the size of the cyst? The presence of vertigo and dizziness may point to a peripheral problem involving the inner ear  or a more central problem invoving the cerebellum. Has your physician discussed any of these with you?

I suggest you let your physicians know your concerns.The results of your scans will be able to define the most probable cause of the problem.