Sinus pain, forehead. Ice pick
I am writing this post on the aircraft and will be descending in a few minutes.
Over the last 10 years, I would get an excruciating ice pick pain in my forehead over one or the other eye. It was at my very limits to endure, clenching my fist and gritting my teeth.
Touching my forehead during this, just made it worse. So I would just sit there.
And it wouldn't happen every time. It seemed to be dependent on the speed of the re-pressurisation and the altitude the aircraft had been pressurised to.
Though sore afterwards, the pain would eventually dissipate as we neared sea level; I have an altimeter watch so it's easy to see what the plane is pressurised to and how quickly they re-pressurise it.
The most reliable solution has been a topical anti-inflammatant, oxymetazoline 0.5% applied liberally before repressurisation begins. One to two squirts in each nostril and inhale to bring it into the sinuses.
We've begun our descent as I finish this post. Wish me luck.