HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)headacheI got a severe headache while flying. What is the cause?

Why did I have a severe headache while flying?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At April 18, 2017
Reviewed AtJuly 5, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had a brain scan, as I had a severe headache when flying recently. The CT scan revealed the following images that I have attached. My GP is not sure what it is and has referred me to a specialist. The waiting period is a few weeks, so I am obviously concerned and stressed. Please, can you let me know your thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Mehak Agarwal

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The CT scan (attachment removed to protect patient identity) is suggestive of sinusitis. The images you have sent are not complete. Kindly send more images. With present images, you seem to have a frontal, maxillary, and sphenoid sinusitis, which is giving you headaches. During the flight, the pressure in our hollow bone (sinuses) changes, and since your sinuses are infected, you have pain. Kindly send more images to know the extent of the disease.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

But, what is that mass on the left of the image, protruding into the black space? I have attached images again.

Answered by Dr. Mehak Agarwal

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

That is your frontal sinus (black space) and the white thing you see is a growth in the frontal sinus (which is abnormal). Similarly, your maxillary sinus and sphenoid sinus also seems to be involved. But, the extent of the disease is not clear. I need more images. Do revert with more images of your CT scan, the coronal and axial cuts.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have attached more files.

Answered by Dr. Mehak Agarwal

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

This image (attachment removed to protect patient identity),is a sagittal cut, which again shows growth in the frontal sinus. It can be either a polyp or a mucocele. I need more axial and coronal cuts if you have to see other sinus involvement. As of now, you can try steroid nasal spray (Fluticasone), after consulting your doctor, which with help in reducing your symptoms. Use the spray twice daily for three weeks and, once daily for another three weeks. If your symptoms do not subside, then you may need surgery called functional endoscopic sinus surgery, in which all the disease from sinuses are cleared, and the ventilation of sinus is enhanced.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am attaching the image that worries my GP.

Answered by Dr. Mehak Agarwal

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

This is the image (attachment removed to protect patient identity) you sent me initially, here right frontal sinus involvement is seen as I have mentioned earlier. Maxillary sinuses are not seen. I need more axial as well as coronal cuts to see maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses. If you have limited images, kindly ask your radiologist to provide you all images. The treatment and diagnosis cannot be made unless I see all the cuts in detail.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mehak Agarwal
Dr. Mehak Agarwal

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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