[34F] Experiencing headache, ear pressure, vision changes, and dizziness

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Migraine: Migraines are a type of headache characterized by severe, throbbing pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sound, or movement, nausea, and changes in vision. The fact that you have a continuous dull headache and changes in vision could indicate a migraine.

  • Treatment for migraines often involves over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers.

• Sinusitis: This is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. It can cause headaches and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. However, you mentioned that you do not have nasal congestion or sinus pain, which are common symptoms of sinusitis.

• Ear Infection or Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: These conditions can cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, along with some degree of hearing loss. However, they are usually accompanied by pain, which you did not mention.

• Meniere's Disease: This is a disorder of the inner ear that can lead to dizziness and a feeling of pressure in the ear. However, it's usually accompanied by ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and hearing loss.

• Vision Problems: Changes in vision can be due to a variety of conditions, from simple refractive errors (like nearsightedness or farsightedness) to more serious conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration. Since you mentioned that your distant vision has gotten worse, it could be a refractive error like myopia (nearsightedness).

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to discuss your symptoms. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
2. If your headaches continue to be a problem, consider seeing a neurologist who specializes in headache disorders.
3. Schedule an eye exam to check for vision problems that might need correction.
4. Try to avoid triggers that might worsen your symptoms, such as loud noises or bright lights.
5. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden, severe headache or a headache that is accompanied by a stiff neck, fever, confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or speaking difficulties.
• Sudden, severe pain in your ear.
• Sudden loss of vision or sudden double vision.
• Dizziness or loss of balance.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.