Head pressure

Is it normal to feel increasing head pressure on one side by the end of the day and just feeling so unwell? It’s all on my left side. I feel head and nose pressure on the left side and at the base of my skull. Neck tightness, tingling on the left side. Random back pains. I know my left side has the enlarged condylar veins. This condition is just so anxiety inducing. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to exist like this.

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Hi, yes I have had severe head pressure like you describe, on the side where the JV is compressed. It is difficult to cope with such an unrelenting condition so close to the brain. I hope you get some help and relief soon. D

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I had head & ear pressure both sides which increased to really painful by the evening…some of the tingling could be nerve related otherwise, the Trigeminal and Facial nerves are commonly affected by ES. It’s tough :hugs:

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@PatientD and @Jules If the IJV’s drain when we are horizontal, would it make sense to lay flat (as I believe Dr. Hauser suggested) 5 minutes every hour to give them a chance to drain? And if it is on the left side, would it also make sense to ‘slightly’ pull head to the right, moving the styloid away from C1 and giving space?
If those above are indicated, might help with the increasing pressure as the day goes on (?).

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It’s an interesting theory & definitely worth a try!

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Hi, so It is correct that our JVs open more when we lie flat (for a normal person).

I am unsure if you have still got JV compression or if not when you had decompression surgery.

I know Isaiah said that US medic had advised not to lie too flat straight after styloid surgery.

I have tried different positions of the type you describe. It’s safest to try them awake to see if helps or not.

For me after surgery opening my JVs supine can help.

The body needs some time to change so in my experience 5 minutes supine would likely not be long enough to make a real difference. If you place palm of your hand on side of neck you may be able to feel the JV open once supine.

Hope you find position and timings that helps. D

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Thank you! I am doing well after surgery… was asking to see if might could help @Sunflower50 's symptoms …)) The 5 minutes suggested was once per hour while awake.

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No harm in trying but pay attention to how body is reacting so don’t make things worse. D :crossed_fingers:

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Yes. Absolutely ))

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Good memory @PatientD! It’s been recommended by several surgeons that post op sleep & resting should be done w/ head elevation. My doctor even said it should be at least 30º of head elevation as this helps reduce swelling in the throat & neck when you’re lying down. It did help me a lot so I recommend it for as long as necessary post op. I recall it was a couple of months after each surgery before I could lie flat comfortably but I also know that for some people, only a few days of head elevation are needed after surgery.

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I am worse as day goes on, only painkillers and lying flat help :disappointed_relieved::+1:

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I’m so sorry @Mcwelly. I hope you have some days that are more tolerable than how you feel now.

I recall you have an appointment coming up with Mr. Hughes. I hope it’s soon.
:hugs::pray:t3:

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Thank you @ Isaiah_40_31 :pray: I am waiting with hope x

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And I am hoping with you, @Mcwelly!

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Really important to maintain hope that things can get better with surgeons help. vES & other conditions are so tough & having some light at end of tunnel is vital to coping while waiting for help. Take care. D

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