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head/sinus/tooth pressure
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lonewhitefly posted:
I am a 29 year old male and I have been experiencing the following symptoms since mid-october (3 months):

intense pressure around cheeks, ears, nose, teeth, sinuses, behind eyes which sometimes leads to migraine-type pressure headaches (both sides). Severity of symptoms come and go but have been present and intense for the last week or so without any relief. It is now interfering w/ daily function, cannot think straight, lightheadedness, dizzy, difficult to focus. No pain medication has provided any relief. Have tried 4 advils at a time, excedrin, etc.

clicking/popping in neck, sore neck

movement of teeth, back molars pushing slightly outward, front teeth becoming slightly crooked (top only)

initially had some minor numbness on right side of cheek/ear area, this has passed for the most part

I have gone to 6 different doctors, none of whom have provided any answers as to what is going on or any relief.

primary care physician ? diagnosed sinus infection and prescribed antibiotics (amox). After 5 days, no relief or change of symptoms

2nd primary care physician ? diagnosed sinus infection and prescribed stronger antibiotics (augmentin) and steroids for swelling (she said my ear was congested). no relief or change of symptoms

ENT ? suspected sinus infection and did a CT scan of sinuses. Indicated that my sinuses are normal with some slight thickening and a mucus rentention cyst on right side but that this would not be causing any problems. Referred me to neurologist

Neurologist ? performed 2 MRIs of the brain (one of which was more detailed) and they were normal. Also noted the sinus cyst but said this is normal and would not be causing symptoms.

Dentist ? x-rays showed impacted wisdom teeth. Suspected TMJ but said that wisdom teeth have to come out first because they may be causing symptoms. Referred to oral surgeon to take out wisdom teeth

Oral surgeon ? indicated that wisdom teeth are impacted but did not think they are causing symptoms (he said it was 10% likely) and recommended that they not be removed. Performed another x-ray and said that I have some tooth decay and should go back to dentist to get fillings. Cavities in teeth are very minor, the dentist did not even mention them to me. Oral surgeon also mentioned that I have sinus clouding and cyst and thought this could be causing symptoms. I mentioned that it was ruled out.

any ideas as to what to do next? the pain and discomfort is unmanageable
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Rod_Moser_PA_PhD responded:
Unlike the six doctors that are involved in your care, I really have no way of diagnosing you via the Internet, based solely on the information that you have posted -- I would need to examine you myself. I also have no way of delving into your case and reviewing your extensive medical records. As much as I would like to offer you some profound insight or wisdom, I cannot.

You have had an impressive work-up, more than most people would have had at this point, so your doctors...all of them...have been trying to find this answer. Doctors don't like to be stumped either, so not making a definitive diagnosis or treatment plan is frustrating for them too. Medical science does have limitations and not all people can be diagnosed, even after exhaustive tests, but I don't think you should throw in the diagnostic towel just yet.

You really know a great deal of what you DO NOT have...namely, tumors and other terrible diagnoses. This is really good news. My only suggestion for you (assuming you have not already done this) is to have a consultation at a large, university-based medical center. The collaborative resources of these large teaching and research institutions are often better for these more difficult cases.
 
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21stinky responded:
I was wondering if you ever found out what this was


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