Severe Head Pain in Flight

[CM2J2R2S]

My husband experiences severe head pain, lower forehead on one side, during landing. On occasion, it does happen during take off and remains through the flight. It generally disappears upon landing, but sometimes there is a lingering, dull pain after the flight. He has tried gravol to relax him; not only did it not work, we did find out that he is allergic to gravol. He then followed the recommendation of a decongestant, which also did nothing to alleviate this debilitating, tear inducing pain. We have, in recent years, switched modalities and use a lot of homeopathics, but have not found something to alleviate this pain. Any suggestions?

 

Melissa

[nparmelee]

That sounds terrible! Has he talked to a doctor about the problem? Has he thought a bout trying migraine meds?? Maybe it will help. Good luck and let us know if you do find something that helps him.

[parody]

recommendation of a decongestant

 

I have had success with Sudafed, which is a decongestant. Possibly is this what you have already tried?

[Bequia]

Sounds like sinus pain, has he tried decongestants?

[CM2J2R2S]

He says he tried a decongestant - Dristan Nasal Spray. It didn't help. He does have sinus problems to begin with, but the shooting, stabbing, excruciating forehead pain is in his left sinus. He says again that it is only upon landing.

 

He is not keen on migraine meds... I doubt he will do that, but I will mention that as an option. Thanks.

 

Melissa

[parody]

WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/content/article/4/1680_51343.htm) has this to say on the subject: Many common things cause changes in air pressure, with resultant sinus swelling and possible headache. Going up and down in an airplane subjects you to quick changes in atmospheric pressure.

 

Of possible note they say:Taking both an oral and a topical decongestant before takeoff may ameliorate this problem (emphasis added).

[FrogCruiser]

Have him seen by an ENT specialist... He may need a sinus CT scan to look for a polyp or other cause for obstruction of the opening of the sinus cavities. Also, a trial of an inhaled steroid for a period of time prior to flying, e.g. a few weeks, plus a long acting vasoconstrictive spray such as the 12 hour afrin taken before departure would be worth a try.

But I'd recommend he discuss this with an otolaryngologist if it's been a recurrent problem. Good Luck... only other option is to drive and that isn't always practical!!

[CM2J2R2S]

Thanks for your advice, so far. I will let you know how it goes, we fly on January 19th.

 

Melissa

[momofzeke]

He does have sinus problems to begin with, but the shooting, stabbing, excruciating forehead pain is in his left sinus. He says again that it is only upon landing.

 

Melissa

 

I had this exact thing happen to me for the first time a couple of days ago. Sharp, stabbing pain over my left eye. I do have a cold, so I figured it was sinus related. Funny thing is, it only happened once on our return flight. We landed twice, due to a layover, and it didn't happen on both landings. :confused: Next time I fly with a cold, I will definitely try a decongestant before the flight!

[wrp96]

I don't know exactly what he did with the nasal decongestant. What I've done in the past is take sudafed right before boarding. Then about 15 minutes prior to taking off (usually as we are taxiing out to the runway depending on the airport) use a nasal decongestant. Then just after we start the initial descent, using the nasal decongestant again.

 

Again though, I think the best recommendation in this case is to go see an ENT. And do it now rather than later.

[Sopwith]

I have had the same type of pain occasionally, almost always during the descent. It is cause by the change in air pressure combined with a sinus blockage that doesn't allow the pressure in the inner ear and sinuses to equalize. I have found that if I hold my nose and blow until my ears pop, it helps a lot. This is the same trick divers use to equalize the pressure on their ears as they dive deeper.

 

Try it and see if it works. The decongestant, taken ahead of time, may keep the sinuses clear enough that the problem doesn't occur.

 

Good luck.

[cusyl]

What if it is a problem with the brain? Hopefully it is just the sinus, but then I am not a doctor.

[hancock]

My DH has a similar problem when diving. Dr. has now prescribed a decongestant to be used for several days before diving. Suggest that your DH see his Dr. to discuss the problem.

[CM2J2R2S]

Thanks everyone for your ideas. This is the DH with the DS (Dumb Sinuses). I'll definitely try the decongestant route. Saw my dr about it years ago and he was of little help. He suggested dristan mist just before landing....

Enjoy your flights.

Chris

[jnc411]

Just my opinion, but pain that is that severe really should be checked by a Dr. as previously mentioned a specialist an ear nose throat specialist. Probably sinus , but, just to be safe. See a Dr.

Cori

[CM2J2R2S]

Leaving tomorrow, we'll let you know how it went when we get back.

 

Thanks for all your help,

[cb at sea]

Tell an ENT Md.. about this--I have to use a cortisone-based nasal spray prior to flights-- The pain in my ears gets so bad, it feels like my brain is trying to escape! OTC nasal sprays won't work--also use an oral decongestant, like sudafed prior and during the flight. This should help immensely!

[spamwhiches]

I thought I would see these mentioned in this thread.

 

available at smallfart and other pharmacies, no presciption required.

looks like an earplug with a valve. supposed to alleviate air pressure problems related to flying. I've tried them with questionable success :|

others swear by them :)

Decongestant before flying sometimes works for me. I always have the pain on descent so I am willing to try anything.

holding nose closed and blowing/pressure sometimes helps

Sometimes it takes days for me to recover.

[CM2J2R2S]

Thanks everyone for your help and words of wisdom. We used an OTC decongestant at take off so it would peak at landing for the first plane. By the final landing of the second plane - it was still working and dh felt this really helped this time around.

 

So. Does smallfart = walmart?

[spamwhiches]

Thanks everyone for your help and words of wisdom. We used an OTC decongestant at take off so it would peak at landing for the first plane. By the final landing of the second plane - it was still working and dh felt this really helped this time around.

 

So. Does smallfart = walmart?

 

 

 

yes !