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Minor sore throat, swollen glands and localized scalp sensitivity
I recently developed a strange set of symptoms....at least for me. It started with a slight pain when swallowing, which felt like it was due to a swollen gland on the right side. The swallowing pain was hardly noticable unless I was swallowing a hot or cold liquid. Accompanying this symptom, was a localized area on my scalp, that was sensitive to the touch. Located on the top right side of my head, the area was about three inches in diameter. No pain, just sensitive when touched. Additionally, there was occasional tenderness felt from the inner ear area of my right ear. Again, mild and infrequent.
Symptoms occurred on day one, but day two were hardly noticable. Reappeared on day three, four and five. No other cold or flu like symptoms to speak of. No coughing, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, scratchy throat, post nasal drip, fever, headaches or excess fatigue to speak of.
The primary reason this concerns me, is that it is not typical. Normally, if I get a cold or flu or sinus infection, it starts with a scratchy throat, followed by bad sore throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose etc. Never noticed the scalp tenderness before. Open to any ideas or suggestions that readers might have. Thanks.
Symptoms occurred on day one, but day two were hardly noticable. Reappeared on day three, four and five. No other cold or flu like symptoms to speak of. No coughing, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, scratchy throat, post nasal drip, fever, headaches or excess fatigue to speak of.
The primary reason this concerns me, is that it is not typical. Normally, if I get a cold or flu or sinus infection, it starts with a scratchy throat, followed by bad sore throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose etc. Never noticed the scalp tenderness before. Open to any ideas or suggestions that readers might have. Thanks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello and hope you are doing well.
Your symptoms could be due to a developing throat infection. This could cause pain with swallowing and pain in the ear. But this is unlikely to cause any sensitivity on the scalp. Sometimes herpes zoster or shingles can present initially with sensitivity which can progress to pain and rash. So, wait and watch and keep track of the symptoms you develop. In the meantime for pain relief you can use OTC Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
Your symptoms could be due to a developing throat infection. This could cause pain with swallowing and pain in the ear. But this is unlikely to cause any sensitivity on the scalp. Sometimes herpes zoster or shingles can present initially with sensitivity which can progress to pain and rash. So, wait and watch and keep track of the symptoms you develop. In the meantime for pain relief you can use OTC Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
Thank you. I saw a doctor yesterday, who agreed, that there is no ailment that results in all symptoms indicated. Scalp sensitivity seems to be the odd man out. He suggested that brain tumor and stroke are unlikely. He thinks that allergy is possible, and I am now taking Claritin daily to see if that helps. Pain is so low that it seldom warrents tylenol, but I have tried occasionally just to see if it was effective.....and it was. If symptoms get any worse, I will have it checked again, but for now they are fairly benign.
1 Comments
Im having same symptoms exactly with the addition of a sore on my gum near my wisdom teeth. Feels like canker sore...but too far back to see. Ear ache. Neck gland slightly swollen. Weird localized pain on skin at top of head near right side. Small area. Did you ever get any further diagnosis or validation of what it was for you?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello and hope you are doing well.
Good to see you are doing better. Sometimes diabetes can present with these odd sensations due to neuropathy. It is a disorder of the nerves which causes numbness, tingling, unusual sensations and sometimes pain. Other causes like vitamin deficiencies, alcohol consumption and certain medications can cause neuropathy. So, check with your doctor to rule out diabetes. It can be detected by a simple blood test. Good Luck.
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
Good to see you are doing better. Sometimes diabetes can present with these odd sensations due to neuropathy. It is a disorder of the nerves which causes numbness, tingling, unusual sensations and sometimes pain. Other causes like vitamin deficiencies, alcohol consumption and certain medications can cause neuropathy. So, check with your doctor to rule out diabetes. It can be detected by a simple blood test. Good Luck.
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
Hi,
I am having exactly the same thing. Sensitivity on top of the scalp (probably a bit swollen), had a some flu symptoms yesterday (fatique and a bit of sore throat) and very mild ear pain. Nothing of all really painful but I have never had the swollen scalp part with sensitivity. Very odd. I did not sleep much the past weeks but I had these periods before, so this cannot be the cause, only that I got older in the meantime. I usually don't have ear infections either, so it is quite a curious incidence.
I am having exactly the same thing. Sensitivity on top of the scalp (probably a bit swollen), had a some flu symptoms yesterday (fatique and a bit of sore throat) and very mild ear pain. Nothing of all really painful but I have never had the swollen scalp part with sensitivity. Very odd. I did not sleep much the past weeks but I had these periods before, so this cannot be the cause, only that I got older in the meantime. I usually don't have ear infections either, so it is quite a curious incidence.
I get scalp sensitivity to the point where brushing my hair hurts any time I'm coming down with a cold or flu. I don't even get bothered by it anymore, I just think of it as a warning that I need to get some rest and get some extra vitamins in me to fight of what's hitting.
I've been having same thing sort of, scalp sensitivity on top right area about 2-3 in diameter, feels like someone is constantly pulling out my hair by the roots, while what feels like inner ear pain that gets worse when I swallow hard, right above the mastoid process so guessing it's inner ear. I'm on 100mg Neoral and 365mg Myfortic as immunosuppressants as I'm > 10 yrs post liver transplant.100mg, levothyroxine, 5mg ambien, and some supplements but nothing new recently. It's been going on 4 days now.
Any updates? I'm having the same thing and I'm curious it the problem went away for each of you or if it continued.
Have these same symptoms. Painful scalp area on right side of my head, swollen glands on the right side and a dull headache. It's Spring so I've attributed it to allergies or a mild virus. It's day three so if I don't see improvement item I'm off to the doctor.
Extra vitamins are a good idea.
Extra vitamins are a good idea.
Have had same basic symptoms - small spot of tender scalp, on top right side, and swollen right gland. Have had these symptoms appearing jointly every 6 weeks or so for the last few years - always disappearing after 2-3 days, always with only minor discomfort. The most recent occurrence had a minor left earache as well. My internist was clueless as was my rheumatologist -as am I. Didn't learn much here as to the cause, but am glad to learn that am I not alone. Please keep this thread going. (Any doctors out there?)
1 Comments
Same happens to me. I can't find any explanation
I also had the same thing happen to me yesterday-I was on antibiotics which wiped my immune system so I picked up a cold/flu virus. Only on the right side of my head I have: a sore throat, swollen lymph node, ear pain, mild eye redness, and even swollen gums and scalp, but sinuses are clear and no cough. So I'm pretty sure it's just normal inflammation from the virus, although it's a bit weird. Whenever I have a gum infection the same thing happens so maybe the virus is confined locally vs. spreading throughout the whole body.
1 Comments
This is spot on I think: 'Whenever I have a gum infection the same thing happens' ... I remember now, I ate some nuts and I think some were a bit too dry and cut my gums (near the grinding teeth), it was slightly swollen for a day, then I started getting all these symptoms ... throat then ear and then scalp ... makes sense that it was a spreading virus/infection ... seems to be dying down on all fronts now ...
About two weeks ago, I developed a soar throat only only on my left side. I also had a headache behind the eyes and my scalp felt like someone had pulled my hair.
Now my headache is gone, my soar throat is not as acute (but still a little soar), I get an ear ache on the left side for less than a minute at a time and my scalp and face are still sensitive.
Has anyone had these symptoms accurately diagnosed and treated ?
Has anyone heard of of neuralgia as the possible cause of these symptoms?
Now my headache is gone, my soar throat is not as acute (but still a little soar), I get an ear ache on the left side for less than a minute at a time and my scalp and face are still sensitive.
Has anyone had these symptoms accurately diagnosed and treated ?
Has anyone heard of of neuralgia as the possible cause of these symptoms?
1 Comments
Did you found out what is was ii have this happen to me
About two weeks ago, I developed a soar throat only only on my left side. I also had a headache behind the eyes and my scalp felt like someone had pulled my hair.
Now my headache is gone, my soar throat is not as acute (but still a little soar), I get an ear ache on the left side for less than a minute at a time and my scalp and face are still sensitive.
Has anyone had these symptoms accurately diagnosed and treated ?
Has anyone heard of of neuralgia as the possible cause of these symptoms?
Now my headache is gone, my soar throat is not as acute (but still a little soar), I get an ear ache on the left side for less than a minute at a time and my scalp and face are still sensitive.
Has anyone had these symptoms accurately diagnosed and treated ?
Has anyone heard of of neuralgia as the possible cause of these symptoms?
Wow, really didn't exect my weird google search to get any results. Sensitive hair on top of the head and sore throat? Wth is that.
This started Thursday I think and it is now tuesday and the throat is now really painful. I guess I could wait it out, probably some weird virus..
Never had ear sensitivity tough. Just scalp and throat
This started Thursday I think and it is now tuesday and the throat is now really painful. I guess I could wait it out, probably some weird virus..
Never had ear sensitivity tough. Just scalp and throat
1 Comments
What was it?
How strange, I have the exact same symptoms: Left ear pain, left throat soreness, headache and scalp tenderness on left side. I assume it's a sinus infection, but can't explain the scalp tenderness. Are there any doctors monitoring this thread? Seems to be a lot of people with these symptoms with no diagnosis.
This is the second time I've experienced this. It is very similar in nature to nerve pain like you would experience with shingles. Almost as if I have shingles on the left side of my throat with nerve pain radiating to left inner ear and top left of my scalp. All on the left side which is linear in nature when thinking about nerves being affected. My scalp is also sore to touch and every now and then I will feel a sharp stab/jolt to that area. So weird. Definitely characteristic of nerve pain associated with a virus.... just need a diagnosis.
1 Comments
Did you found out what it was I have the something?
I am having the same symptoms. All on the right side. This is day 7. I recently got over that nasty flu about 2 weeks ago. Still have leftover congestion and cough. Was wondering if that virus is causing this. Im not on any medications, just vitamins and herbs. I don't have diabetes as far as I know.
So I am experiencing the same symptoms. Started with the ear, seemed like the outside of my ear, then over several days my inner ear, neck and throat became sensation and eventually in constant mild pain... And of course my right lymph node is swollen and I have this weird sensitivity on my scalp.. But just on the right side.
I also had a cold or flu recently and have a lingering light cough that hasn't gone away but no other symptoms.
I'll be going to the doctor if it gets any worse but if really like to know what the heck this is about.
I also had a cold or flu recently and have a lingering light cough that hasn't gone away but no other symptoms.
I'll be going to the doctor if it gets any worse but if really like to know what the heck this is about.
Did anyone with these symptoms get checked for temporal arteritis or occipital neuralgia?
1 Comments
No, but that sounds like a logical idea if you can convince your M.D. that you are not nuts. I have not found any medical person that takes this discomforting symptom complaints that I have seriously.
This is the same thing I am dealing with, and my second bout in 5 months. Has anyone got any update by any medical professional as to a remedy or solution.. Whatever the culprit it really sends me for a loop, starts with raw nasal passageways, runny nose, headache, fever, swollen throat glands, tiredness, and the sensitive scalp. The first time I came down with these flu/cold like conditions I blamed the sensitive scalp on the possibility of freezing my scalp walking home getting the mail that time. Not the case this time around..
1 Comments
Exactly the same for me. Did not expect Google to throw up and similar symptoms. All on the left side for me. It’s the top of my head towards the left that is sore, my left ear and like a gland deep in my throat on the same side. One of the comments above suggests that it could be related to herpes and I think that might be right. I get very similar skin sensitively on my stomach and thighs that i realised after years was related to herpes (although ive never had any blisters).
Exactly the same for me. Did not expect Google to throw up and similar symptoms. All on the left side for me. It’s the top of my head towards the left that is sore, my left ear and like a gland deep in my throat on the same side. One of the comments above suggests that it could be related to herpes and I think that might be right. I get very similar skin sensitively on my stomach and thighs that i realised after years was related to herpes (although ive never had any blisters).
I think this is directly related to herpes as this cluster of symptoms often appears a few days before a fever blister, and always on the same side. The downside is that these are painful sensations (the ear ache, sore throat, and scalp pain as though someone pulled my hair), but the upside is that this is a fever blister warning that tells me to start my prevention regimen. I take one Super Lysine+ supplement 4xs / day, and so long as I catch it early, I can usually prevent a cold sore from forming. I've also recently started applying lemon balm essential oil directly on my lips, which seemed effective last time I had a sore emerging (but didn't catch it early enough to start the Lysine in advance). I had chicken pox relatively late in life (around age 12), and it was a very severe case. My understanding is that chicken pox, shingles, and herpes are all related. My advice: boost your immune system with an effective supplement.
Ok bear with me here. Have any of you ever had a cold sore or any strain of herpes? I believe this is related. Many many threads all over the internet with no answers and terrible misdiagnosis like neuralgia ms etc. I have had this several times a year as well for many years. I found one thread where a user described these symptoms before getting a cold sore. This has not preceded a cold sore with my case but it got me thinking about the possibility. So as i had this for going on 24 hours with no signs of relief i decided to take two mega doses of lysine an amino acid which will stop cold sores in their tracks. Guess what within a couple of hours no more ear ache no more scalp / head stabs sensitivity etc. I would say this is relted to a virus possible the herpes virus because lysine killed it for me.
No real answer. I am glad I found this blog so I know I am not totally nuts. (My MD probably thinks so). I am a medical professional and have never found anything like this in the medical literature I have studied. I also believe it may be a virus effecting a cranial nerve such as herpes with shingles- like symptoms. I never get a sore anywhere on my scalp, ear, face or throat lips or gums.. I usually get the symptoms on my left side for the last 20+ years, but this time it is on my right and more severe. I usually take Ibuprofen 400mg. 4 times a day or up to 800mg. 3 times a day and 500-1000mg. 2 times a day of an over- the- counter supplement protein called L-lysine that purportedly helps with cold sores/herpes. I take these for a few days and it seems to help some. Good luck. I hope someday someone really knows the answer to this aggravating problem.
2 Comments
There is nothing like real life experience to make us feel not alone in what ails us, right? Medical literature is great but the real world looks different sometimes! That does make sense that it follows the nerve pattern like shingles/herpes. I did read about 'giant cell arteritis'. While it often speaks about the temples as the place affected, that's not always the case. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giant-cell-arteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20372758. Since it is very rare, doctors may not be educated in looking for this or evaluating for it.
See my newest post on the bottom of this thread- I think the solution for you is Valacyclovir??
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