1. I experience light headedness all day and night, and it varies from a little to a lot at times. This has been going on for a little over a year (about Oct '13). I was seen by a doctor a year ago, but could not find the problem. It started coming on strong then, and nearly passing out when I bent over to tie my shoes or in the shower. I had a new eye exam and prescription, but only very minor change. I noticed no difference in the lightheadedness. I had xrays done, I think to neck and chest, found nothing.  I'm having balance issues like I can not stand still, I wobble.2. About a week ago, I was driving home from work and started having a very sharp pain behind my right ear, it came on quick and lasted about 10 minutes, then, a loud pop was heard and felt in that area and the pain quickly went away. Don't know if it's related to anything. No repeated issues. I'm diagnosed with migraines, but I don't think it was that.3. I've had ringing in my ears for about as long as the lightheadedness, don't know that it's related, but it is getting worse and is constant 24 hours a day.4. Two weeks ago while at the gym, I started some new abdominal exercises, twisting side to side machine. I only did a few with little weight. Since then, I've had a sharp pain in my lower abdomen, like I need to go to the bath room, not from he exercise itself.  I normally go #2 several times a day, normal for me.I don't know that any of this is related, but is some of my history. I'm a 42 YO male, 67"/180lbs, and normally exercise 3-5 times a week, running at least 15 miles a week and eat decent, don't smoke or drink. I often wonder if this is due to cholesterol, blood pressure, tumor...? I don't know. Can you please help shed some light on this? I just got a new doctor and waiting for an appointment to go talk to her about this. Thanks.
Hi, 1. This is most likely to be a referred pain form the teeth to the ear and surrounding area. The other possibility is the cervical nerves. 2. The pain sensation is mediated by the common nerve supply from the Trigeminal (Fifth Cranial Nerve). Chronic pain can alter the brains perception of the pain, making it more difficult to treat. The C3 dermatome supplies the region of the neck that you experience pain in. 3. Consult a neurologist to get an examination and a prescription for neuralgic pain killers (such as amitriptyline/ carbamazepine/ gabapentine / pregabalin). Do not self medicate as these medications can cause several side effects (including drowsiness and blurring of eyesight). 4. Other painkillers would give a partial relief in higher doses.  5. Let me know if this helps. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon