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Migraine from Cetain Head, Neck, or Shoulder Maneuvers

I should first state that my migraines are very strange, and may not be migraines at all but a vascular issue around my inner ears. I don't usually get headaches (maybe 25% of the time or less), but instead suffer from sudden hearing losses, tinnitus (including pulsatile),hyperacusis (sound sensitivity), and strange prickly or numbing feelings in my neck and face (like I can feel something crawling in my ear and around my head), couple with parasthesias and tremors throughout the rest of my body. Sometimes I get visual auras, but not every time. I get a lot of other symptoms, but the ear issues are the most common, and I can expect to suffer from some degree of them every day.

Well ,for the last couple of months I have had another problem appear, and that is extreme muscle tension from the shoulders up.
It is the worst in the neck, particularly at the base of the skull, and comes in waves. It is extremely difficult to move my body when I am in this state without setting off a migraine. Bending over, putting my hands above my head, shrugging my shoulders, moving my neck suddenly, fcarrying something not exceeding 5 pounds you name it. This also includes remotely any body act (sneezing, coughing, laughing) that increases blood pressure and intracranial pressure on a temporary basis. I get hit with ear problems (particularly hearing loss) and numbness or strange feelings in the back of my neck when the attacks occur.
I am (finally) on a muscle relaxant, which has greatly reduced the muscle tension throughout, but I still find certain, rather 'difficult' body movements to be triggering. It happened today simply from tensing my shoulders when getting out of a chair. Now I don't hear great out of the left ear.

In general it is extremely frustrating, because I have had to call off horticulture school and live a very limited life at home, still lucky that I am able to go on walks (but nothing strenuous and no steep hills). Losing some hearing every day because of this is also not fun. I have to walk on eggshells and monitor my movement 24/7.

Anyone else have their migraines triggered by moving their bodies (particular shoulders, head, and neck) in specific ways? I'm really trying to find a way to stop this so that I don't have to feel literally handicapped.

Thank you!

  1. Hi coyotesdawn, please know you're not alone. It may be a Cervigogenic Headache.

    Please make sure to share these details with your doctor. Have you connected with a headache specialist? - PLease let us know if we can share any more information with you, and remember we're always here to share support. -All Best, Donna (Migraine.com team)

    1. I have what the ENT told me are ear migraines. But I have no pain, instead I have plugged up ears. I am now on a special diet for the triggers tyramine and histamine and taking B2, magnesium and COQ10. Just started this regimin, so don't know if its helping yet. ENT says it will take 2-3 months. So I guess I wait to see if my hearing improves. The eardrum is not vibrating, but he says thats the ear migraine...???? I am baffled. It all started with a severe sinus infection. does this relate to anything you have gone thru?

      1. (51😎 353-4686 hi there!! I personally have not heard of an ear migraine, but I do know that sinus symptoms can be confused with migraine. With that said, for me, when my sinuses are acting up, my ears do get blocked. I usually end up with a migraine also, if it is not taken care of soon. I wanted to share these with you: https://migraine.com/migraine-types/sinus-migraine. Another article I thought you'd like is: https://migraine.com/headache-types/sinus-headaches. Maybe these will help. I hope that your symptoms will get better as you wait for the supplements to work. (Tonya, migraine.com contributor).

      2. I've heard of inner ear or "cochlear migraines". Maybe research that term and it might help. Here's a scientific article that may be of interest. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8755616/#:~:text=There%20is%20now%20some%20evidence,which%20is%20called%20cochlear%20migraine. Hoping the special diet and supplements help with your terribly irritating and extreme symptoms. Maybe you can relate to some things posted in the article. Wishing you well this year and beyond. Rebecca (community moderator)

    2. Thank you for these links! I will definitely check them out! May we all get relief from these issues!!

      1. I'm so glad to hear that these are helpful for you. Please keep us posted on how you're doing. And thanks for your encouragement and "relief" wishes for us all. We're sending them right back to you as well.
        Best
        Alene, moderator

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