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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Throat tightness with head,neck and back pain
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Throat tightness with head,neck and back pain
by Seeking Help, Sep 17, 2005 12:00AM
I have had this on-going problem for about 4 years; I have throat tightness and dryness which inhibits deep breathing which is accompanied by pain in base of head, neck and upper middle back. I have been through a myriad of tests including pulmonary, ENT, neurological examination with EMG all with out a diagnosis. I am also a diabetic with well controlled glucose levels. I was told that this may be caused by autotonic neuropathy. I am despaeratley seking answers as this has altered my life considerably. I used to be able to run 7 miles a day and I thoroughly enjoyed being active and physical activity. Now I continue to do physical activity but without the pleasure or the endurance I once had. When a wake up in the morning my whole body aches and I rarely sleep through the night without waking one or two times. I rarely feel refreshed and I just cannot get the "second wind" type refreshing deep breath. I notice I feel worse after I eat certain items but any type of food usually starts the feelings. I had Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication in August 2003 after being told it "could"e cause by reflux aspirating into my lungs. This has not changed the symptoms. Could the vagus nerve be involved? Would ask for a recommedation of facilty which may be able to assist in a diagnosis.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Sep 21, 2005 12:00AM
Your symptoms are obviously severely affecting your lifestyle
Although I cannot offer a complete evaluation, I will make some comments based on the information here
Have you had an evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea? - this can cause mouth breathing (dry mouth in the morning), feeling of being unrefreshed in the am, with daytime sleepiness, frequent nighttime awakenings. This can be evalauted with a polysomnogram (sleep study) , which involves staying overnight at a sleep facility and having your breathing, movements, sleep and brainwave activity measured.
Diabetes can cause a range of peripheral nerve problems, which can even occur in the face of 'normal' glucose levels
it can be difficult to diagnose, but a center that does skin biopsy looking at epidermal nerve fibers can do this.
Of course, structural disase ie a mass or growth causing the pain and discomfort should be evaluated with radiological imaging.
The Cleveland Clinic is among center that can do both the sleep study and the 'neuro'-skin biopsy on a routine basis.
It is unlikely that the vagus nerve is involved as long as a strucutural lesion is ruled out
Good luck
Although I cannot offer a complete evaluation, I will make some comments based on the information here
Have you had an evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea? - this can cause mouth breathing (dry mouth in the morning), feeling of being unrefreshed in the am, with daytime sleepiness, frequent nighttime awakenings. This can be evalauted with a polysomnogram (sleep study) , which involves staying overnight at a sleep facility and having your breathing, movements, sleep and brainwave activity measured.
Diabetes can cause a range of peripheral nerve problems, which can even occur in the face of 'normal' glucose levels
it can be difficult to diagnose, but a center that does skin biopsy looking at epidermal nerve fibers can do this.
Of course, structural disase ie a mass or growth causing the pain and discomfort should be evaluated with radiological imaging.
The Cleveland Clinic is among center that can do both the sleep study and the 'neuro'-skin biopsy on a routine basis.
It is unlikely that the vagus nerve is involved as long as a strucutural lesion is ruled out
Good luck
Member Comments (5)
by tnt406, Sep 18, 2005 12:00AM
To: SEEKING HELP
HI SEEKING HELP,I AM NOT A DOCTOR,THIS IS JUST MY SUGGESTION.HAS YOUR DOCTOR CHECKED YOUR THYROID GLAND LEVELS?THE TIGHTNESS IN YOUR THROAT SOUNDS LIKE YOUR THYROID GLAND,ALONG WITH THE PAIN IN YOUR UPPER BACK.YOU WOULD HAVE TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT HAVING YOUR THYROID LEVELS CHECKED.HOPE YOU GET TO FEELING BETTER SOON.TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF.TNT406.
by tnt406, Sep 18, 2005 12:00AM
To: SEEKING HELP
SORRY ALL SO FOR GOT TO MENTION YOU ALL SO HAVE DIABETES,THAT IS ANOTHER BIG RED FLAG THAT WENT UP,FOR YOUR THYROID GLAND.I REALLY SUGGEST YOU HAVING YOUR THYROID GLAND CHECKED.TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF.TNT406
by Beebarbiedoll, Sep 19, 2005 12:00AM
To: tnt406
I just read your post and no mention from anyone, of possible disc problems in your cervical area. I had 2 disc's removed and my neck fused, 7 months ago. Most of my pain was in the back of my head and between my shoulder blades. The one question I was asked several times when all this was happening was whether I had any problems swallowing. You may want to get a cervical MRI. There is a lot of similarities between your symptoms and mine. Depending on what disc and how bad, you can definately have swallowing issues along with your other pain symptoms. I would suggest this. Good luck!
by Beebarbiedoll, Sep 19, 2005 12:00AM
To: seeking help
Sorry, I just sent a post to the wrong person. I meant to send it to you. I just read your post and no mention from anyone, of possible disc problems in your cervical area. I had 2 disc's removed and my neck fused, 7 months ago. Most of my pain was in the back of my head and between my shoulder blades. The one question I was asked several times when all this was happening was whether I had any problems swallowing. You may want to get a cervical MRI. There is a lot of similarities between your symptoms and mine. Depending on what disc and how bad, you can definately have swallowing issues along with your other pain symptoms. I would suggest this. Good luck!
