So I've been trying to figure out what home appliance is about to breakdown.  It turns out that it actually might just be in all in my head!  You see, I keep hearing what sounds like a refrigerator or deep freeze kick-in and out as I lie in bed shadowing heavily as I tend to do during my high cycles (chronic now for the past 2.5-3 years).  Anyway, just the other night I found that if I thump my head with the tip of my finger the hum stops and if it starts again I can cause it to stop with another thump.

Now I've read on this board that our malady, physiologically is similar to or at least not unlike seizures.  I understand that topomax (dopeymax) is a seizure medication that is also commonly prescribed as a preventative for CH.  Anyway, I just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this vibration/hum sensation.  Wondering if I should see a neurologist concerning this apparent "new side" the beast has been showing me lately.

For the wise guys - I'm 86% sure I haven't been kidnapped by aliens who installed some (faulty?) electronic device in my head.

Yeah, it's that leftover 14% that's got you worried, huh? No, I've not experienced the "hum" (but I frequently sing songs in my head that I can't remember all the words to), but that doesn't mean anything. And yup, I'd talk to my neuro about it. Why not? It's interesting, anyways, and you have something new to say. Any chance its tintinitis or something like that? lance

Tinitus is what came to mind when I read the description.

I started with tinitus just before I started my CHs, so there is at least a temporal connection.

I'd consider seeing an audiologist who can test your hearing and see if it is tinitus.

Thanks for the replies guys.  If it is tinnitus its certainly a different flavor from the standard high pitch ringing that I've learned to live with.

Hi mc_ashes,
I am getting a high pitched tone at the moment but, I am convinced it is to do with my BP, which I know is elevated at the mo, not too sure whether it goes up during cycle with other peeps, but I do know mine does!

Respect

Gary

Mike NZ wrote on Mar 9^th, 2011 at 12:21pm:

Tinitus is what came to mind when I read the description. Yup...me too... I started with tinitus just before I started my CHs, so there is at least a temporal connection. have both...have never seen ANY connection...in MY experience... I'd consider seeing an audiologist who can test your hearing and see if it is tinitus. Did same...he told me...with a smirk and a nod..."yup, you got tinnitus....nothing we can do about that".... Have the whine..high pitched ringing. Several years ago I started hearing what sounded like a generator running in the distance (woom, woom, woom, rumble, rumble). Used to get out of bed and look out the window...with animous in my heart for the neighbor who had such a careless regard for HIS neighbors. Finally figured it out.... Never been able to "knock" it out of my noggin...please be sure to wear hearing protection whenever appropriate....ya don't want it getting worse! Best, Jon

I also have tinnitus which started a few weeks before this latest CH cycle and with every attack the buzzing is really loud. Hearing test booked for monday, ENT wednesday and still waiting for neuro appointment. Dr wondered if there was a connection. Will update if anything comes up.

Its like you described Jon, like some low rumble in the distance (except mine seems to kick on and off irregularly and I only hear it when its really quite and I'm still).  When I first began hearing it I really thought it was the refrigerator or deep freeze and I couldn't understand why the wifey couldn't hear it...  Ah, then it came to me (it's your screwed up head fella).  Anyway, glad to know I'm not the only one. 

Oxyrunner, I'm interested to hear about what you learn with the hearing test.