dull head ache

[spd21]

Hello

I went to my GP complaining of problem swallowing, dull ache on the left side of my head and was put on 10mg amitriptyline for 4 weeks, would this medication help? I have no trouble walking, confusion etc. (22yrs old)

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for keeping me posted!
In all probability it is a boil or swollen lymph nodes. Do you have dandruff? This can explain bilateral swollen nodes. Also dental caries and ear infection too can cause lymph nodes behind the ear to swell.

Since you have an appointment with your doctor, maybe you can discuss this. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[spd21]

In a little more detail:
I have now discovered around the size of a thumb nail above my ear to the back by around 1cm. At first it did not hurt but at some points during the day i can feel it being there, it doesn't hurt unless i push on it softly but there is a visible bump if you look closely on my head. I also have one on the other side of my head in the same place but it does not seem to be as large as the other. Could this be a cancer?

[spd21]

Thanks for the reply doctornee.

I have made an appointment with my GP tomorrow, just aswell really because i have noticed (visible by eye) two small lumps on either side of my head near the back (just above the ear) they're quite tender/painful when i push on them, could it be anything serious? Or a side effect of the medication i referenced above? Thankyou in advance.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!

The cause for the difficulty in swallowing should be looked into, whether it is due to a local cause or due to any neurological problem. Please go through this link and discuss these possibilities with your doctor. This medication will only help if there is an underlying serotonin imbalance or depression.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003115.htm
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please discuss this with your doctor and see what he thinks about it. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!