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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Unusual Neuralgia
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
Unusual Neuralgia
by Ray__0, Sep 10, 1998 12:00AM
My symptoms started with a sharp pain in my throat upon dry swallowing and continuous pain in my left ear. An ENT ordered a barium swallow and CT scan with contrast of my neck. Findings were normal and I was told nothing serious was going on. The pain in my throat and left ear subsided after about 2 months but I have been left with many strange sensations which include numbness along the left jaw, numbness of the left check, numbness of the tongue, pain along certain ridges of the outer left ear, tightness or choking sensation in the neck, and the sensation of unequal pressure in the left ear. I also have a numbness or tingling sensation in the little finger of my left hand. The sensations move around but seem to persist in anyone spot for about 3 to 5 days. Everything on the right side is fine. A second and well known local ENT reviewed the diagnostic test results and symptoms and said there was nothing serious. He said I had an undefined neuralgia which could be caused by any number of things. He did not feel it necessary to run further tests such as MRI. Can a more specific diagnosis be made and does a treatment exist? Could it be a pinched nerve and would physical therapy help? Do I need to be evaluated by a neuralogist or is it something I will just have to learn to live with? I also had my dentist check my teeth but nothing was found which could account for the problem. My dentist suggested I see a chiropractor but I didn't. My GP and the ENT's have no energy to pursue it and sometimes I wonder if their attitude is explained by managed care. I would appreciate your suggestions.
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Thanks for your question. It is of some concern that all your symptoms are
located only on the left side of your body. There is a good chance that
your sensory findings are benign albeit disturbing. It is quite difficult
for a proper clinical comment by reading a non-medically directed description.
If you feel the need for a second/third(?) opinion, I would consider an
appointment with a neurologist.
I hope this information is helpful.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.
