Why did I have a severe headache while flying?

Question

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?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.