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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Whiplash/Brain injury Stabbing neck pain please suggest
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Whiplash/Brain injury Stabbing neck pain please suggest
by Rosie 1, Feb 06, 2002 12:00AM
Doctor:
My husband received whiplash last Feb.01 breaking up a fight which sent his neck and back in all directions to avoid a hit. He complained of continual neck stabbing ever since especially when turning head, October 01 feels dizzy as if to faint explains feeling hollow or dazed, bloodpressure up and down, Left pinky numb&tingeling R-hand middle and index finger somewhat upon waking numb - has had MRI neck - showed bulge C5&6 Brain MRI showed 4 dots frontal area which he was given no explaination no tumors or bloodclots to report, EEG-ok EMG- (not a good test) showed pinched nerves neck, Ct scan ok stress test ok used rhythm card 1 month ok, Ent said not vertigo possible cervical vertigo, muscle spasms in neck used tens unit, skelaxin, neurontin, zanaflex and still the same no improvement, the neurologist he been seeing says no explanation , another says wires crossed due to neck trauma and were to go back several weeks to him, but I would just love an opinion from you since your answers are "phenominal" to other forum questions, would you feel this is coming from the neck and do you think some type of brain trauma occured? At this point my husband is unable to drive let alone work is been pretty frustrating for us all.
I understand this is an opinion but reading your foruns over youve been so helpful to others! Thank you in advance...
My husband received whiplash last Feb.01 breaking up a fight which sent his neck and back in all directions to avoid a hit. He complained of continual neck stabbing ever since especially when turning head, October 01 feels dizzy as if to faint explains feeling hollow or dazed, bloodpressure up and down, Left pinky numb&tingeling R-hand middle and index finger somewhat upon waking numb - has had MRI neck - showed bulge C5&6 Brain MRI showed 4 dots frontal area which he was given no explaination no tumors or bloodclots to report, EEG-ok EMG- (not a good test) showed pinched nerves neck, Ct scan ok stress test ok used rhythm card 1 month ok, Ent said not vertigo possible cervical vertigo, muscle spasms in neck used tens unit, skelaxin, neurontin, zanaflex and still the same no improvement, the neurologist he been seeing says no explanation , another says wires crossed due to neck trauma and were to go back several weeks to him, but I would just love an opinion from you since your answers are "phenominal" to other forum questions, would you feel this is coming from the neck and do you think some type of brain trauma occured? At this point my husband is unable to drive let alone work is been pretty frustrating for us all.
I understand this is an opinion but reading your foruns over youve been so helpful to others! Thank you in advance...
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Feb 07, 2002 12:00AM
Sorry to hear about your husband's symptoms. Glad that the tests did not show anything serious. It sounds like of all the symptoms your husband is experiencing, the vertigo is the most disabling. Trauma related cervicogenic vertigo could possibly explain his symptoms. Besides the use of muscle relaxants like zanaflex or flexeril, and inflammatory agents such as high dose motrin, many patients report some success with special physical therapy tailored for patients with symptoms of vertigo/dizziness. You may consider talking to your neurologist or calling some of the local hospitals and see if this type of PT is offered anywhere. A few of our patients have reported some success with a drug called meclizine, which is similar to benadryl but helps in relieving some vertiginous symptoms.
Although I have not personally reviewed your husband;s films nor have I examined him, it doesn't sound like there's been any damage to his brain. Finally, with all that he's been through over the last year, it may help to have him talk to someone if he's interested. Otherwise, some patients who have chronic pain benefit from a medication called Elavil which has dual properties as a pain med and antidepressant. Good luck.
Although I have not personally reviewed your husband;s films nor have I examined him, it doesn't sound like there's been any damage to his brain. Finally, with all that he's been through over the last year, it may help to have him talk to someone if he's interested. Otherwise, some patients who have chronic pain benefit from a medication called Elavil which has dual properties as a pain med and antidepressant. Good luck.
I had seen a very well reknowned Dr. in this feild ; his name I think is Dr. Stuart? Gordon ; who practices in Phila, PA.Amoung others such as Magee Rehabilitation centers and several other nuerocychologists and orthapedic surgeons.
Have been told that first six months of injuries onset is the most important. Although we've had nothing but insurance denials and problems we pay to see some of these Drs. ourselves. You'll soon learn that you'll never be the same person exactly and need to learn different stratagies for learning disabilities and coping with chronic pain.
Although for the neck have tried 12 needle point injections with no relief- drs. wsant to try a different drug called botox- if anyone has info on this drug please reply.
Good luck and thanks for the info gathered WB and Fam.
SINCE THE LAMINECTOMY MY NECK HAS BEEN THROBBING AND SWOLLEN. I HAVE DEVELOPED A SLEEP DISORDER IN WHICH MY AM CONTANTLY IN MOTION IN MY SLEEP. AT TIMES I HAVE JUMPED OUT OF BED HIT MY HEAD WITH LACERATIONS TO MY TEMPLE, MY EYES AND THE TOP OF MY HEAD. ALL OF THIS BEGAN WITHIN A YEAR OF THE LAMINECTOMY AND HAS CONTINUED SINE THAT TIME.
WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS I WENT FOR A THIRD OPINION AND WAS TOLD THAT WITH MY R. ARM RAISED ABOVE THE HEAD