Saturday, May, 17, 2008

Question
michelle
04/23/08

head ach and neck pain lasting longer thatn a week ,numness in fingers loss of hearing

I have has migrains for 10 years first one presented as a stroke they have been getting worse last 2 months I have a head ach everyday nothing helps with the pain I also have neck pain I go see the neroligist in a few weeks m symptoms are changing I have loss of hearing and my face and or hands go numb. I am at a loss on how to control my head achs the only way to get rid of them for a short time is by going to the hospital and getting deluded and I don't want to live that way. Is there any hope.

Answer This
Answers (1)
marvelxone
Thursday, April 24, 2008

Even if we have migraines, there can be other things going on that require medical attention.  What you describe is one of them esp given your history.  Problems w/nerve compression, radiculopathy or pinched nerve, or muscle spasms in the neck/shoulders are among possibility.  I've had migraines for years but I also had neck musculoskeltal problems that require trigger pt injections & other therapies that are done by a physiatrist (rehabilitation/pain mgt specialist). 

 

The nerves can be normal but vertebra & connective tissue or muscles around it can cause tingling in my face to my fingers.  My real improvement w/this problem was achieved by my physiatrist.  If you're unfamiliar w/this medical specialist, below is copied from my dr's web site. 

 

A physiatrist (pronounced fizz eye at' trist) is a medical doctor with specialized training in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain medicine. They practice in numerous settings such as hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, as well as in private practices. Their comprehensive approach includes focusing on the entire patient, not just the symptoms.

The specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation was recognized as a medical specialty in 1947. Physiatrists are medical doctors who, in addition to medical school, also complete four additional years of postdoctoral residency training. During this residency training, they spend one year studying fundamental clinical skills and three years specifically on physical medicine and rehabilitation. They also receive a great deal of training in diagnosing and treating pain problems.

Physiatrists treat a wide range of disorders. The primary focuses of a physiatrist are to reduce or relieve pain and restore the patients function lost due to illness or injury. Physiatrists treat temporary conditions to long-term conditions. This can range from sports or work- related injury to more serious conditions such as cancer, spinal injuries, strokes or orthopedic conditions. The following is a list of some of the conditions treated by physiatrists for rehabilitation and physical disabilities:

  • Musculoskeletal Disorders - Tendonitis and muscle pain
  • Back and Neck and Shoulder pain
  • Joint replacement
  • Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Pain problems following trauma and surgeries
  • Burns and wound management
  • Cardiac disorders
  • Osteoporosis
  • Spinal Cord Injuries - Paraplegia and Quadriplegia
  • Brain injuries
  • Strokes
  • Amputations
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Polio and post-polio syndrome
  • ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease)

 

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Answer a Question

Could GI Symptoms be related to migraine or something else?

Answer This View all questions >

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.