Head and neck pain

[gogojo216]

Have had headaches for two weeks now, starts at right ear, goes down side of neck.
Feels like whole right side of face is numb. Doesnt feel like a migraine, have had those,
and I get a jolt of pain somewhere else on my head. Went to Doc, thinks its tension headaches,
I am not convinced. Gave me Naproxen and Flexeril. No help. Although Flexeril puts me to sleep.
Anyone else feeling this way, I would like to hear about it.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
It is good to know that some underlying issues were discovered. Cervical stenosis is a common cause of neck pain. It develops when either the spinal canal or nerve passageways become narrow. This may be congenital or develop in patients over age 50 as a results from aging/wear and tear on the spine or from a history of  neck injury or trauma. Try to take the medications prescribed ans let us see if they help provide relief. Botox injections have been indicated but if you are not comfortable with this, there are other possible options such as cold/heat therapy, physical therapy, and alternative therapy (i.e. acupuncture). Manual therapy or chiropractic manipulation is usually avoided. Do keep us posted with your lymph node examination. Take care and regards.

[gogojo216]

Done with all tests, mostly normal. Neuro said after reading MRI of head, evidence of migraines. Neck MRI was alittle more informative. He told me start of stenosis. Gave me a script, havent filled it. Thought I was perfect candidate for botox injections in my neck. I am not going to do it. Makes me too nervous. Also found nodule in left lymphnode. Having sono done next week. Any input would be appreciated.

[gogojo216]

Thank you.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Thanks for the update. EEG is a test to detect problems in the electrical activity of the brain. It is used to help diagnose seizures disorders, to find the causes of confusion, to evaluate head injuries, tumors, infections, degenerative diseases  and abnormal changes in body chemistry that affect the brain. EEG also helps evaluate problems with sleep and investigate periods of unconsciousness. It causes no discomfort, just  having electrodes pasted onto your skin. Try not to worry, the tests that you mention will help determine the underlying cause and diagnosis. Do keep us posted with the results. Best regards.

[gogojo216]

No help from meds. Stopped taking them. I went to pain specialist. He thought maybe cervical redculitis.    Going for MRI neck and brain, eeg and dopler on neck. Does this sound normal? Also how intense is an eeg? Info on internet makes it seem quire scary. Thanks.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Tension headaches usually present with dull-type of headache. While pain at the back of head or neck that intensifies on movement may be caused by inflammation of the blood vessels of the head or bony changes in the structures of the neck. Anti-inflammatory drugs and  muscle relaxants may help provide relief. If your present medications do not help, inform your doctor for proper management.Change of dosage or medicine may be indicated. Take care and regards.