clogged ears 18 months after mTBI??
 

2 years ago I went to a chiropractor to get relief from a headache. The adjustment was bad and I ended up in ER with stroke symptoms and extreme neck pain. CT and MRI showed fine - sent home. Long story but C1 was "out" for a month (couldn't drive, care for my family, lost almost 20lbs, couldn't even write my name). With help of a different chiro C1 was fixed but I was left with severe PTSD and a TBI recovery. I can't tell you how relieved I was to find this site.

All western medicine failed me so I spent hours reading here for encouragement. With the help of alternative therapies I am much better but about 6 months ago my ears started plugging up...First it starts with tinitis (metallic) then piercing pain like the ear drum might burst, then a few hours later all that plus plugged ears and a sound like a freight train in my head. Usually last 36rs or until I can get to cranial sacral therapy or something like that.

I thought due to fatigue and/or stress. Next I thought there was a link between eating dairy. Now, 6 months later I have been to an allergist that said no allergies (I don't have post nasal drip, itchy eyes or any other allergy symptoms.) I have cut out dairy for 8 weeks, I don't even eat the tiny amount of dairy in some breads or croutons. And now my ears are plugged again and I know it can't just be dairy. I have read through many of your posts and see that others struggle with this too but I didn't see what has helped people?

And could this still be linked to a TBI when it shows up 18 months later? What kind of Dr should I see to try to get help? Oddly, it does go away, sometimes for a whole week...but I lose about 2-3 days a week of not being able to function.

wolflady,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. I think your first choice for a doctor should be an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat/ otolaryngologist ). Did the allergist examine your ears ? How is your upper neck ?

What does the CST therapist do that helps with your ears ?

Thanks for your prompt reply. I will call an ENT as my next step.

Yes, the allergist checked my ears (last week) but at the time of my appointment, I didn't have any ear pain/pressure. I have tried about 7 different antihistamines and decongestants with no success. She suggested trying an ENT but with symptoms that come and go, she didn't seem optimistic that they would find anything.

My upper neck has greatly improved over the past 2 years. I went from burning pain and electrical zapping feelings and constant tension causing migraine type headache of a 7/8 out of 10 (daily for 18 months or so) to now low grade daily headache of 3/4 with flares up to 7 if I over do it. The neck itself still has a small amount of pain at the primary injury site if pressure is applied but each month is it a tiny bit better. I had an MRI of the neck 1 month after the injury that came back clear.

The CST has helped greatly by softening the muscles in my neck and increasing circulation to my brain. I am unable to handle normal massage to my neck as it triggers numbness in my face, and a flare up of symptoms I had early in recovery. The gentleness of the CST has allowed for slow, but progressive healing. I work with 2 therapists and neither works solely on the head..they work where the body needs it in order to be balanced. So as the far the ears... my theory (for what it's worth) is when the neck muscles are softened it allows proper draining and the ears unplug and the head pressure lessens.

While tension and pain in my neck is somewhat of a problem I can tell it is getting better. I feel good about my progress and even with the setbacks, overall I can see things getting better. Thanks to this site, I was aware that there may be setbacks. My priority now, is to find some relief from the significant ear pain/pressure.

So do you think plugged ears can be related to a head/neck injury that happened 18 months earlier? I am 2 years out and the headache (and other crazy symptoms) are much better. Is there any known cause/cure of this odd symptom? I realize each person's response to injury is unique but when I ask medical professionals, they look at me like I am crazy so I thought I would ask here.

Your messed up neck can be causing all kinds of problems. Just because it was not a problem in the past does not mean it is not the problem now. Are you taking any steps for good head and neck posture while resting and sleeping ? In my experience, this is as important as the therapy.

If this ear symptom is on and off, I don't think an ENT will be worthwhile either.

Hadn't given head and neck posture much thought but I will. I also wondered if perhaps TMJ issues could be connected with the ears or perhaps a thyroid problem. These all become an issue with the neck/head injury 2 years ago. It is hard to sort it all out..what is brain stuff, what is neck stuff...all is related and has crazy symptoms. Thanks for your input.

There is an old story. Patient tells the doctor, "It hurts when I do this....." Doc replies, "Stop doing that."

If having poor head and neck posture causes problems, one needs to work on improving head and neck posture. When the body is at rest or asleep, muscles relax allowing movements and positions that may not be good for the neck. Being disciplined about not resting or sleeping in postures where this can happen can make a big difference.

I know that I need to be very careful when sleeping on my side. I do best on my back. It took time to get comfortable sleeping on my back but bit was worth it. I used a pillow top mattress with a double thick, pillow top style mattress cover/pad that helps me get comfortable on my back. I also use a pillow that allows my head to lie straight without very much lift. I roll the right side of it into a bunch so my right cheek rests against it so my head does not roll of to either side.

Without these disciplines, my sleep is interrupted, often with stressful dreams and I am more prone to having bad days.

I just know that if I am going to rest or sleep, I cannot let my head flop forward or to the side, especially the left side.

It has taken years of discipline for me to get improvement in this area. It has been well worth the effort.

My best to you.