Severe pain during flight

[mtl_guy]

Hi All,

I was recently flying (had cold, nasal congestion) and developed severe sudden headache shortly after descent was announced. I cannot localize pain, whole head felt it and I never had headaches before in my life. After 10 seconds or so pain suddenly stopped, I felt dizzy and passed out for a few minutes, then woke up and vomited. EMS crew did blood pressure and sugar test that were ok. One of them suggested it could be barotrauma.

Since that episode (month ago) I am having minor headaches in random places that come and go. Not happening in the morning or when I bend over or exercise - totally random. Once I almost felt I am going to pass our again, maybe I was just worried. Have a history of passing out when vein blood taken or even seeing blood.

So I went to hospital, they checked vitals and did chest x-rays, everything appears to be normal, just slight hypertension 130-135/70, maybe because I was worried. They told me I have slight heart murmur and referred me to cardiologist just in case. CT scan was not recommended due to risk-benefits.

Just trying to see what might be the cause and if I need CT scan or any other work at all. I am 31, fit, work out every second day and do not smoke. Most important, I have never had headaches before this episode.

Thank you!

[Foggy2]

Having sinusitis is certainly better news that an aneurysm.  Have you made an appt. to see an ENT (Ears/Nose/Throat) doctor about treating your maxillary cyst and sinusitis?  Your PCP can probably treat your sinusitis while you are waiting for an appt. for the ENT MD if needed.

Bring a copy of your MRI report to the ENT MD.

[mtl_guy]

I've got MRI report which concludes "no intracranial abnormality or aneurysm".

It also says:

"Lobular soft tissue layering in the right maxillary sinus could be retention cyst or possibly loculated fluid related to prior inflammation. Aerated left middle nasal to that, developmental variation.

Soft tissue could be due to subacute sinusitis. Alternatively, this could reflect polyp"

I was flying with severe nasal congestion and had blood in mucus several days after the flight.

[Foggy2]

Perhaps your GP can word needing the MRI in such a way that it is urgent so that your insurance can pay for it.  I believe in your situation, the MRI will give more information than the CT.  I'm glad you got an appointment for the MRI so quickly.  Keep us informed how you were doing.  In the meantime, if you have any questions feel free to ask.  Thank you.

[mtl_guy]

Will have MRI done next week, referred by GP. In Canada they send you to CT first, only then to MRI to shorten wait times, which are close to 8 months (!) for MRI for non-urgent cases.

So I guess I will pay $1000 out of my pocket for private MRI and try to work it out with my private insurance plan. Then my GP will refer me to Neurologist.

Again, thanks for the insight.

[mtl_guy]

Thanks for reply, no, MRI has not been done. I have been asked about and explained what aneurism is, no family history, no-smoker, under 40, doctor told these could be factors. I will go and try to get referral.

I was of course worried at first and thought it could be a tumor. Do you think this is unlikely?

[Foggy2]

Did anyone, including the ER do a brain MRI?  It sounds like you need one to rule out an aneurism (abnormal widening and weakening of a blood vessel, sometimes hereditary) or any other brain abnormality.  I would back off on exercises that cause you to strain or elevate your BP until you see a Neurologist for further evaluation.  Get copies of your records and films for the new doctor.