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Sleep Disorders Community

This patient support community is for discussions relating to apnea, children’s sleep issues, jet lag, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome (RLS) and snoring.
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Pulsating in Neck=No sleepy

by Sosleepy, Jan 29, 2008 02:29PM
I have had trouble sleeping for the last few months due to being able to feel my pulse in the back of my neck right below my skull.  My muscles in my neck have been tight, so I have been seeing a physical therapist, but it only helps a little bit.  
I am to the point where I dred bedtime (which is making it worse) I am taking a muscle relaxant right now, but I dont want to be taking medication to help me sleep. I have also been prescribed Xanax, Ambitriptilene and Meloxicam.  All either didnt work or I had adverse reactions.
Can anyone help?
Member Comments (15)

by Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD, Jan 29, 2008 02:40PM
To: Sosleepy
Hello.

Have you consulted a neurologist and got any MRI of the brain and the cervical spine ? Since you feel the pulse, it is prudent to investigate further to rule out any vascular abnormality.

Regards

by scarlet37, Feb 03, 2008 08:38AM
To: Sosleepy
Dr. Abhijeet is giving good advice- an MRI of the cervical spine as well as carotids.

best wishes

by Sosleepy, Feb 06, 2008 09:44AM
To: Dr. Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD
I have been to a Neurologist who sent me to have a CT Scan of Brain, which was normal.
They have not mentioned anything about an MRI.  I get the feeling that they think that I am making it up or that its "in my head". Which is part of the frustration. My family M.D also keeps bringing up Depression. But aside from my symptoms..I am a pretty happy guy and no real reason to be Depressed.

by Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD, Feb 06, 2008 11:10AM
To: Sosleepy
Hello.

Did you ask for a neck CT. There was no indication of a brain CT. The neck muscle stiffness is a strong hint towards some problem in the neck area.

Since you mentioned Amitriptyline, I would like to ask if it was prescribed for sleep ?

Regards

by Sosleepy, Feb 06, 2008 02:37PM
To: Dr Abhijeet Deshmukh
The Amitriptyline was prescribed when I told the Family M.D of the symptoms (pulsating, lack of sleep, concern of what was going on with me) So I guess so. He told me it would help me relax so I could fall asleep.
I have set up an appointment to discuss MRI on Neck to be sure.
Thank you

by Suri123, Feb 10, 2008 01:07PM
Hi, how are you feeling now. Physical or massage therapy can be helpful so try to have atleast of 10 sessions, do stretches, hot bath. Pls keep updated on your future visits. Bye.

by Sosleepy, Feb 13, 2008 08:30AM
To: Suri123
I have an MRI and or MRA? scheduled for this week. Later for results.
Thanks for advice.
Massage Therapy is wonderful and definitely helps..but gets very expensive.
if only insurance covered.  Physical therapy is ok but not as much of a stress
reliever.
Thanks again

by Suri123, Feb 13, 2008 12:09PM
Hi, thanks for reply. How are you. Relax! its good to continue physical therapy for some more time if you are benefitting from it. do regular stretches and apply either local heat or take hot shower before bed time. Take muscle relaxants after meals. Wait till MRI report come for further plan of care. Take care. Bye.

by Suri123, Feb 18, 2008 01:00PM
Hi, hope you are doing better. How is your health and sleep these days. Have you got evaluated completely. How about your MRI results. Your thoughs would be of great help to some of viewers of this section so keep updating. Take care.

by Sosleepy, Feb 21, 2008 07:17AM
Update:
Last week I had an MRI and CT scan of Neck and Back.  Will find out results this week.
Noticed that when I exercise later in day, the symptoms are amplified.  I love exercising
and this has changed that a little.

by Suri123, Feb 21, 2008 01:13PM
Hi, thanks for reply. Hope you will do better soon. Keep updating on the MRI and CT scan results and your evaluation. It would be better if you can get a physical therapist advise. Take care.

by Sosleepy, May 07, 2008 12:19AM
Update:
The pulsating in my neck has subsided, still there but not as noticeable. That is the good news, bad news is that I have been having dizzy spells during the day, kind of a electrical buzz that is really quick, but scary. I am also developing some anxiety now. My chest feels like its going to explode, usually at night. Sometimes while laying down, I can hear a wooshing sound (like my pulse) wakes me up and ruins a good start to sleep.
I switched Doctors and new doc has done blood tests that I am awaiting to hear about.  He prescribed Remeron, which I took for One week, New doc says dizziness could be related.
I am extremely frustrated and feel like my health is effecting my family and the time that I spend with my kids. 35 years old, great health up until 1.5years ago...Can anyone help?  Had MRI=nothing    CTscan=nothing  Bloodtest=nothing