Re: Have I got a brain tumour?
Well, you need to realize that computer games in particular induce a tremendous degree of extended focus, often in the absence of a break. It's important to realize that both eye and muscular strain can develop to the point of fatigue without much awareness. Computer screens are also a unique form of visual stimuli due to the fact that the images on the screen are composed of pixels, which the eyes must work harder to accommodate. In fact, Computer Vision Syndrome can sometimes develop and cause temporary visual difficulties associated with eye strain.
Most people who play games are often poised in a certain position as well, leaving little to relaxation, and will persist in the activity for sometimes hours. Realize that although it appears to be a seemingly low-impact phyiscal activity, computer gamers can initiate a great deal of physical stress on their body due to the sometimes realistic nature and importance of some gameplay associated with the activity.
The sensation in your ear is actually muscular tension in the muscles directly proximal to the auditory canal. Some people sense changes in temperature, others feel stretching or pulling sensations and others can experience pulsitile tinnitus or other forms of tinnitus due to compression in the region of the auditory complex responsible for receiving and processing sounds. Pulsitile tinnitus is the awareness of blood being pumped through the internal carotid which passes close to the auditory nerve complex. It is not, as some believe, any sign of the patient's blood pressure levels. People unwittingly perform teeth clenching or otherwise tense up various areas of their body in response to the pressures induced by the games. Again, this often goes undetected due to the level of focus being asserted toward the activity.
Space-occupying masses such as tumors generally demonstrate initial symptoms specific to the region in which the mass is located and constitute a range of characterizations that are not well-known to laypersons. Therefore, it is common for such persons to mistake casual changes in physiology as symptoms of disease. Your symptoms would be inconsistent with a brain mass.
You'll be fine. Consider taking regular breaks from the computer console. You'll likely note a corresponding degree of relief in the sensations which trouble you.
Best regards,
Rutheford Rane, MD (ret.)
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Best regards and Good Health