QUESTION

[nikki861]

I have been seeing a neuro. for a couple months now. He has run every test thinkable and still I dont have answers. I began thinking maybe its a lymph node. I have severe pain in the back of my neck, behind my ear and in jaw area. All this began by me having 7 migraines in 8 weeks. The pain in the neck and ear would get so bad I would wind up with a migraine. I have been checked by ENT as well. MRI of neck, brain, and spine. The biggest complaints I have are the above mentioned neck, ear pain, sweats (not hot flashes really sweats that drench me), weakness on left side of body. I am on pain meds for the pain. Yesterday at my appt. he prescribed KEPPRA as a preventitive. Also, ATEX if I feel a migraine coming on. I have gained 25 pounds since Jan 23! I figured because my GP put me on predisone at the beginning of all this. But I am still gaining. No I am not as active, because my body does not allow me to be. My doc has ruled out MS. Most of my sx were pointing in that direction, but all tests came back good.
I have swelling in my left side of neck, under arms, and groin pain. I thought this was just part of the pain and weakness i have been experiencing.
Should I mention lymphoma to my neuro? I am getting no relief at this time. All kinds of blood work has been done. Would something have shown up there?  I am at the end of my rope and just looking for answers.

THANKS
Beth

[nikki861]

Thank you for your reply. The only tests I have had were the ones mentioned above and exam by neuro and bloodwork. I am not scheduled to see him again until July, but think I will call and schedule an appt sooner. Would an LP be helpful in getting answers? This is about the only test he has not run. Because he was thinking MS, I guess.
Thanks and I will keep u posted. When you said other dieases should be sought, do you think maybe Lupus?

Beth

[Dennis MD]

Hi Beth,
I understand what you are going through.
What other examinations were done on you?   What are the results?  Can you feel any enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, axilla, or inguinal region?  
Lymphoma can be a consideration to what you are experiencing now.  There is a condition called primary CNS lymphoma where the frontal lobe of the brain is most commonly involved.  Symptoms can be nonspecific and include headaches, sweating, weight loss, and fever.  If you took steroids before the brain MRI scan is done, the mass may shrink and may not show up in the scan.  If there is no intake of steroids and the brain MRI scan showed negative result, other disease conditions should be sought.
If you have an enlarged lymph node in the areas I mentioned, you can have it biopsied.  That will give you a more definite diagnosis.  I think you should mention this to your neurologist.  You need to find answers to what you are experiencing.  
Good luck.