Is it normal to have the sensation of buzzing in my head?

Hi Chris,

We’re so sorry to hear about your stroke and the sensation you now experience.It sounds particularly hard for you as it limits what you can do.

It’s hard to know exactly what’s causing the buzzing sensation without formal tests but a good starting point would be for you to see an audiologist who can perhaps rule out tinnitus as the cause of the buzzing. Tinnitus can be common following stroke.

The buzzing could also be caused by a change in sensation in and around your ear following the stroke. Sensation changes are quite common after stroke, but because every stroke is different, the type of sensation changes can be quite different between people. They can get better over time but like other changes in your body after the stroke, you need to retrain your brain's ability to interpret sensations in the affected area. You can read more about sensation changes following stroke here.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) who specialise in sensory retraining could help you through this. They can also be able to offer you some specific strategies to help you work around the mental and physical exertion too.

You can talk with your GP regarding your eligibility for a chronic conditions management treatment plan, which would entitle you to 5 sessions of Allied health therapy such as OT for at a Medicare Rebated rate.

You can also find an OT by having a look at the Occupational Therapy Australia website www.otaus.com.au

Sorry Chris, there’s quite a bit to take in but hopefully you find some it helpful. Please give us a call if you’d like to chat through this further. We'd be happy to guide you along the journey.

Best wishes,

Lisa

StrokeLine (1800 787 653, 9am-5pm Mondays – Fridays)