left carotid pain, difficulty in swallowing

[Cheryl0626]

I am an RN, who has had pain radiating to left ear and neck off and on with swallowing. Went to an ENT, saw nothing visual with scope. Had a CT (neck) with/ w-o contrast. Showed something "inflamed" at the bifucation of the left carotid artery. Pain started with a bad cold 8 weeks ago and w/Laryngitis for 2 days. Nodes felt enlarged for 3 weeks. Then took 7 days of mycins for possible infection. But now the pain is back, mostly at left base of tongue, and hurts to swallow, turn neck, or touch my carotid. Nothing really specific showed up on the CT other than "inflamation"???? (or node enlarged) at the bifurcation. Now last night was fine, but I sat down for dinner, and could hardly swallow my food. The pain kept me up most of the night. Now pain is getting severe with the ear pain and swallowing. Feels like I have a small pea stuck in side of my throat, radiating to my ear and tongue base.
Unfortunately (:-() (LOL) I am married to an ENT. He seems to think nothing really but he can't treat me as a patient. I am now very worried that something is being missed (ie) = carotid tumor, or possible lymph node invasion elsewhere radiating to the neck. I work out daily, fit, only one small dose of B/P meds Q morning and now taking 3 motrin everyday. It doesnt feel like esphogeal (internal reflux) . Its more external in the neck with pressure. Any suggestions? CE

[OHNS2010]

Hi Cheryl0626,

                     According to your symptoms and findings:
1. Pain radiating to left ear and neck off and on with swallowing
2. Feels like having a small pea stuck in side of throat, radiating to ear and tongue base
3. Pain on turning neck, or touching the carotid
3. CT (neck) with/ w-o contrast. Showed something "inflamed" at the bifurcation of the left carotid artery

You must probably be having CAROIDYNIA (it is a form of vascular neck and face pain in which the vascular change occurs in the carotid artery in the neck). This can be treated with the prophylactic medicines used to treat migraine. Any doubts you are welcome.


Regards
OHNS2010

[porterj7]

I have the same issue. Was sick was a bad virus 3/2020 and since then pain along the left side artery. Mistook it for neck strain, gland swelling, sinus, earache, finally, Covid again and it flared bad. Hurts to turn my head, laydown, look down, throat feels full, earache, sinus feels full, eyelid heavy. Finally doc sees me. Nasal and throat scope clear. MRI to be scheduled. ESR and CRP normal levels. 56, F, healthy, except low collagen, slight joint hypermobility. Initial dx Carotidynia., pending MRI.  

[ENTMD]

Hi Cheryl-

I would suspect Carotidynia as well, but I think a follow-up scan might be a good idea in a month or 2.  NSAIDs is generally the best thing for this in the short term.  Good luck!