health problem

Dear Doris Smith, can you provide some further health history? Do you take any medication, or have any chronic health concerns? Do you have any history of headaches, blurry vision, seizures, head injury...? Are you under a high level of stress?

As to your current symptoms: do they ever linger or require medication to resolve? Did the neurologist provide any information or treatment? Have you had these symptoms consistently for three years? (if so how often?) When you describe movement of your neck as a factor: is this every time you experience this episode, or just often? Do you have neck pain or tenderness?

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This started several years ago and doesn't have a set time to happen.I have a history of migraines and degenerative disc of my low back with bulging in l4-l5 area.
About 4 yrs ago I was diagnosed with Wegeners Granulomytosis " LIMITED".I have high blood pressure and acid reflux also light asthma.
When this starts I start feeling a tingling in my neck.The neuroligist thought it was maybe osteo but she did not order test.But I get sick at my stomach for a few seconds and the tingling from my head to my waist with the feeling I swallowed a baseball really hurts and I can't straighten up for a few seconds,it usually last 3-5 minutes.It happens at unusual times and places.   Thank You

I take the following.
lisinipril,estrodol,tolterodine,sulfamethoxazole,mobic,lyrica,paxil,randimine.
But this problem started long before I started these medications.

I had a patient once in Emergency with identical symptoms. She was diagnosed with panic attacks after an exhaustive round of tests. We kept in touch, and I was floored by the diagnosis of Panic Attacks. (I'd taken her vitals, seen her physical symptoms first hand, and knew her history-I remeber thinking she is not the panicky type!) I started doing research on panic and anxiety disorder, and came to understand just how physical these attacks really are. I recognized the typical physical changes seen during anxiety attacks (elevated heart, resp, and BP, shaking, dizziness) But did not realize panic attacks could come on without prior anxiety or depression. I failed to appreciate the actual physiological process behind them. They can be triggered not only by stress or anxiety disorders, but by hypoglycemia (when there is a sudden fall in blood sugar levels the brain sends a hormonal signal to the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline) and hormone imbalances and hypertensive attacks.

The feeling of swallowing a large object is surprisingly common in panic attack. It is a spasm, triggered by neurotransmitter fluctuation along with tension in the muscles that create the difficulty swallowing, and the post-spasm inflammation that causes a lump in the throat.

Your Doctor may have considered this possibility but been hesitant to suggest it, or unfortunately, he may have simply ruled out some common possibilities and then taken a passive stance. Symptoms that are subjective in any way, and difficult to measure are often underestimated.

Since you are obviously the best judge of your symptoms, do not allow any passivity from the medical community to discourage seeking an answer. Whatever it's underlying cause, you should not suffer the symptoms and the fear of the unknown.

Hyperthyroidism is another consideration. If thyroid testing has been normal I would still consider a repeat test, ideally around the time of the attack.

If the neurologist did an MRI consider a repeat MRI of head and cervical spine. Stimulation of the nerves due to a disc disorder can trigger an attack of pain, and rush of adrenaline that could produce these symptoms.

There are also certain Autoimmune disorders that could produce similar symptoms.

Consider stepping back and starting over. Start by finding a good internist. After a complete
History/Physical you can determine what testing to pursue. A follow up with a Neurologist, and testing of the thyroid and antibody levels may be a good place to start.

Edited by cch771 on September 23 2006 at 2:12am

__________________
I hope my information is helpful. If you have more questions, just ask! I will gladly help, otherwise please click "accept".
Positive feedback and any bonus would be appreciated. Thank you, Christy