Posted by CCF Neurology W6 MD on January 04, 1999 at 20:18:32:

In Reply to: Tinnitus and Acoustic Neuroma? posted by Maurice on December 14, 1998 at 18:21:32:

Hi Maurice,

: What you described above certainly sounds like tension type HA.

I forgot to say that I do not feel the cord 'around my head', but
mostly (and sometimes only) on the left side of my head. It really
feels strange (not like headache at all). Furthermore, I have it now
for two months continously. In the morning it seems gone, but just
after a half a minute it starts. I sometimes have the feeling that it
gets a bit worse during the day.

Do these things change your conclusion about tension type HA?
++++No, I don't think so. Tension HA tends to get worse at the end of the day.

: Tinnitus is non specific and having a normal neuro and ear nose and throat exam with a negative CT is reassuring.

Hmmm, I had the neuro, ent exam before the tinnitus, but the CT
afterwards. The tinnitus seems to get worse during the day, or at least
in the evening. Is that normal for tinnitus?
++++ YEs, it can get worse as the day progresses.

I read something about Acoustic Neuroma and that it can cause the facial
nerve to transmit pain-like signals to the brain as well, which might
explain the pressure-like sensations I feel in my head. Furthermore,
a high-frequency tone can accompany AN. Can you explain more about AN
and whether the symptoms fit and how to know for sure?

++++NO, I don't think it explains the HA. The pain sensation is usually an electric shock like, stabbing sharp rather than a dull headache.
Other symptoms of acoustic neuroma include hearing loss, tinnitus,
and as the tumor enlarges, facial muscle weakness, and numbness on the side of the tumor.

: Buspar is an anti anxiety agent, that works well for some people but not for others. If you think the anxiety is gone, you may want to talk to your doctor and discuss the tapering of the medication.
Ok, I will.

: Try some relaxation technique as this may help as well with tension HA, as well as massage. Yes there are muscles in the scalp, back and front,
: hence the muscle may become tense, contract, some patient claim that they can even feel and see the scalp muscles contraction. I personally can not do that....:-)

Indeed, I can feel it when I raise my eyebrows.

+++This is a very good and useful technique.

Another question: I am working since 4 months in an air-conditioned
environment (never before), and I am wearing hard (non-disposable) contact
lenses. Could it have anything to do with it?
(The (let's call it) headache felt somewhat better during the Thanksgiving
holidays when we were in Sequoia NP)

++It is possible but probably not likely, just check with your eye doctor.

Many thanks again!

I hope the above information helps.
Good luck Maurice.