05/01/2026
It’s not just a headache—it feels like your brain is literally under pressure. 🧠
Do you ever hear a "whooshing" or thumping sound in your ears that matches your heartbeat? Or maybe your vision momentarily dims or blurs when you bend over to tie your shoes?
These aren't typical migraine symptoms. They are hallmark signs of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)—a condition where the pressure of the fluid surrounding your brain (CSF) becomes too high.
Signs that it might be IIH, not "just" a migraine:
- Pulsatile Tinnitus: That rhythmic "whooshing" sound in your ears.
- Vision Dips: Brief loss of vision when changing positions.
- Constant Pressure: A headache that feels heavy and "global" rather than throbbing on one side.
Because IIH can put the optic nerve at risk, getting an accurate diagnosis is vital for protecting your vision. 👁️
Have you ever experienced that "whooshing" sound in your ears? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
I’ve written a guide on my blog about some of the steps we take to diagnose IIH and lower the pressure safely. Click the link in my bio to read the full post! 📖