Got checked out today and I had another ear infection. Its all very strange because I never had ear infections before, but have had two since my PCS diagnosis.

What tests did you doctor do to make sure it is an ear infection? Did you go to a GP or ENT? The fact that the pressure is intermittent really makes me doubt it is infection. Still, take the AB's and see what happens. This is the exact same thing that happened to me - ear pressure started, went to an ENT, got prescribed a few rounds of AB's, and stuck back at square one. I also had no sinus or ear issues my entire life before my concussion.

Can someone explain to me why (the science behind why) head pain/pressure and ear pain/pressure shows up with exercise?

Today (after a failed attempt to return to exercise a couple months ago) I tried 10 slow/medium paced minutes on the recumbent bike. I tried because I've had two weeks of consistent improvements, and I'm facing intense physiotherapy soon, wanted to begin conditioning even if at a slow pace.

My heart rate only got to about 120 if that... Hovered mostly at 106.

Like come on that's not even exercising IMO.

ANYWAY, glorious PCS showed up with head and ear pain and high pressure. Why does this happen?

I'm frustrated and in that mood, where I need to know WHY.

My *theory* is that this is somehow connected to the nerves or muscles in the neck. When we are moving around they tighten/tense and then the ears are pulled along with them.

My symptoms are usually totally abated when I am lying down. I also feel 'ok' when I am sitting or not exerting. But, once I'm up moving, talking, riding a bike, etc, they flood over. Not always, but sometimes.

Of course, I can also be sitting there reading a book and suddenly my ears are plugged shut inexplicably.

Do you have ear crackling when you swallow or yawn? Are you able to pop them open so hard that it feels like a suction cup coming off of a piece of glass? Again, this stuff goes away when I lay down.

I am stuck in China for a few more months, but when I return my plan is: visiting a Chiropractor, and visiting a massage therapist. Until them I am stuck icing, self-massaging, and taking antibiotics and steroids for my 'ear infection'. :mad: