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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Occipital Headaches, Dysgeusia And Tinnitus Be Prevented While Flying?

on a flight i experienced sudden excruciating headache starting in the soft spot at the base of the head where it connects to the neck. ít lasted several weeks and in addition i experienced very bad and metallic taste in mouth as well as strong heartbeat sound in left ear (tinnitus). i finally had to go to ER where i received IV of morphine which helped a little. the metallic and not being able to taste anything but bitter lasted for a year. now after 3 years i m getting ready to go on another trip and very scared this will happen again. what can i do as a precaution?
Thu, 24 Dec 2015
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Neurologist, Surgical,  's  Response
Hello. Thanks for asking from HCM.


I can understand your concern. For all these symptoms, you should follow few points
: During change in ear pressure, bend forward and make sure, your head is at lower level than chest. It will relieve negative pressure in ear.
: You can chew chewing gum to avoid closure of ear canal opening in nose.
: Try to swallow saliva or water repeatedly. It also opens eustachian tube. Closure of this tube leads to ear symptoms like pain, tinnitus, sometimes headache.
: You can try repeated yawning. It also opens it.
: Carry painkiller like Diclofenac sodium for pain relief. Usual dose what I prescribe is 50mg two to three times daily in an adult patient. You can take it after proper prescription.
: For dysgeusia, it will get relieved by above methods. You can take Mirtazapine after proper prescription.


Thanks. Hope it will help you. Take care.
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How Can Occipital Headaches, Dysgeusia And Tinnitus Be Prevented While Flying?

Hello. Thanks for asking from HCM. I can understand your concern. For all these symptoms, you should follow few points : During change in ear pressure, bend forward and make sure, your head is at lower level than chest. It will relieve negative pressure in ear. : You can chew chewing gum to avoid closure of ear canal opening in nose. : Try to swallow saliva or water repeatedly. It also opens eustachian tube. Closure of this tube leads to ear symptoms like pain, tinnitus, sometimes headache. : You can try repeated yawning. It also opens it. : Carry painkiller like Diclofenac sodium for pain relief. Usual dose what I prescribe is 50mg two to three times daily in an adult patient. You can take it after proper prescription. : For dysgeusia, it will get relieved by above methods. You can take Mirtazapine after proper prescription. Thanks. Hope it will help you. Take care.