I'm writing for my 85 year old mom. For the past 3 months, she has had constant pressure in the back of her neck where the head meets the neck. Its 24/7 and feels like pressure or something is sitting there. She also has these bouts of random dizziness, vomiting and loss of function that lasts for about 1 minute and has no pattern. She could be sitting at the computer or driving...it just randomly happens.
Her primary MD referred her to a neurology institute where they have completed MRIs and CT scans and have found absolutely nothing, which is good. She has completed 2 months of physical therapy with no relief...although she did say that when her neck is massaged she finds a little relief. She has done rounds of antibiotics for a suspected sinus infection, steroids, and had 2 nerve block injections in the sides of her neck and nothing has worked. Meanwhile, she is afraid to drive, grocery shop, meet with friends for lunch, etc because she has no idea when these random things will happen to her.
She is on blood pressure medication, and has a history of blood cancer but all of her numbers are excellent and there is currently no trace of cancer in her body. She has scoliosis and quite the hump in her back but the doctors say this is unrelated to her neck pain. I've scoured the internet looking for answers but have found nothing, and after 3 months of seeing expensive neurologists she is ready to give up.
Can anyone point me in a direction of what this could be that is happening to her? Thank you for any help!
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Hello, here are a few suggestions:
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Seek a second opinion: If your mother is not satisfied with the progress or answers provided by her current healthcare providers, it may be worthwhile to seek a second opinion from another neurologist or a different specialist who may have experience with similar cases. They may have alternative perspectives or approaches to consider.
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Consider a pain management specialist: Since your mother has been experiencing persistent neck pain, considering a consultation with a pain management specialist could be beneficial. They specialize in managing chronic pain and may have additional treatment options or approaches that could provide relief.
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Explore other causes: While the neurologists have not found any abnormalities in the imaging tests, it might be worth considering other potential causes for her symptoms. Conditions like cervical radiculopathy (nerve root compression), vestibular disorders, or even certain medications could cause similar symptoms. Discussing these possibilities with healthcare professionals might help guide further investigations.
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Keep a symptom diary: Encourage your mother to keep a detailed record of her symptoms, including when they occur, the duration, any triggers or patterns she notices, and any other relevant information. This information could be helpful for healthcare providers in identifying potential patterns or triggers.
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Consider alternative therapies: In addition to conventional medical treatments, your mother might want to explore complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy. While the effectiveness of these treatments varies from person to person, they might offer some relief or help manage her symptoms.
Encourage your mother to continue advocating for her health and seeking answers. It can be helpful for her to have a supportive person, like yourself, who can assist her in navigating the healthcare system and keep her motivated.
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