Neck-Tongue Syndrome?

[gnatrea]

From time to time when I turn my head I get a sharp pain in my neck/head.  The pain is usually behind my right ear right where my head meets my neck.  Seconds later my tongue goes numb.  From doing a little research online I discovered this is probably Neck-Tongue Syndrome.  However, no one ever says if this a serious problem that should be looked at or not.  It only happens a handful of times a year and after I stand still with my head down for a minute I am fine.  Could someone please supply me with some more information.

Thanks!

[hammie12345]

i though i was the only one and ur comment caught my attention the most because u nailed  it!everything u described is what happened to me. i am crying as im writing because  i never knew what was wrong with me and i would tell ppl and they look at me like im a freak! omg thank u for writing! i feel so much stress of my back knowing im not alone.

[Davi77]

I too have these symptoms, i didn't realise anyone else did, so actually i find that reassuring.  I started with the symptoms at about 13 and was concerned so mentioned it to my GP who gave me an explanation that i was catching a nerve on rotation of my neck.  But i don't think she appreciated how high up my neck the symptoms were.  I also get a sharp, electric shock- type pain that radiates upward to my scalp and round my jaw and my tongue.  I am 35 now and the 'attacks' have got better since i have become more aware how i cause them.   I am also a physio which helps with my knowledge of anatomy and posture.  I find my attacks happen when i rotate my head when i am not paying very good attention to my posture and i am poking my chin out.  Of course you can't check your posture 24/7 so it still happens, but less often.  I find that i have very active trigger points in my capitus muscle, which on pressure gives me a vague version of my symptoms, but on trigger point release improves my symptoms.  I think that physiotherapy has it's place in helping manage these symptoms, but now i have read this thread i am going to see my GP! I know that i too am hypermobile too and perhaps i need a better medical opinion!! If anything but to check that i am managing things ok and applying pressure around that area is a good idea.

[tammy76]

  My chiropractor diagnosed me with tongue neck syndrome! I have pain  with my spine in my neck at C2- (where my tongue and neck meet), and I have a slight curve in my lower spine that I was'nt aware of, as others have described.  I have had this problem since I was a teenager and I am now 35. I have had a CAT scan/ MRI, I have also seen oral surgeons and had mouth appliances made to keep my jaw in place. There is not a permanent solution.  I have tongue /neck pain, fullness in my ear and shoulder pain and my pain is now pretty much full time. I have found it worse of course when I turn my head like everyone else, and it seems worse when I am sitting-whether driving, or sitting at work. Muscle relaxers help a bit when you just need a break from the pain- but I don't want a lifetime of pills!  Right now I am getting massage once a week (with someone who understands what you have!) I find that if I keep my tongue pressed down to the floor of my mouth, it releases the pain a bit, but it's not a natural position for the tongue! I'm glad to read that I'm not alone

[ayoba1]

hi im 25 yrs old and i also feel something on my neck and under my tongue. please assist with medication

[Isleofwightdom24]

I've been suffering with this for as long as I can remember. I'm 24 now and was diagnosed when I was about 18. I don't think my GP understands the syndrome as she has said that she wouldn't feel happy about me using certain birth control pills as it could cause a blood clot! Is this true? Can anyone help me with this? I've found nothing online relating the two, but who knows?

[snowyfoxtrot]

I have this too! I am 31, female, in UK. It's weird as I just got it at work when I turned my head quickly to answer a colleague and had to just freeze  for about 20 seconds, holding my head in the same position so as not to further hurt myself. The left side of my tongue went totally numb and it felt like I couldn't move or speak.

I tried to explain it to a colleague and was amazed when she had no idea what I was talking about, which lead me to this site. I thought everybody had this and it just happened if you turn or move too quickly? Apparently not!

Do I need to seek medical advice? I've always had this since I was young, although it only happens once every few months. Whilst it's initially painful, or more of a 'shock', the weird feeling of paralysis/numbness only lasts about 20 seconds in all (although I often feel a bit sensitive for a while afterwards). Thanks for sharing!