Unraveling the Mystery of Unexplained Neurological Symptoms - Neurology

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Unknown etiology?


Around June 14, I suddenly experienced a jolt of dizziness, the kind that made it hard to stand, but it was not accompanied by headaches or nausea.
I thought it was just due to lack of sleep, as I had been under a lot of stress from final exams and had hardly eaten or slept.
However, the dizziness persisted until July 1, when it finally subsided.
Just as I thought I was recovering, a series of unfortunate events began.
On July 15, I felt a sharp pain near the back of my left eye, close to the eye socket.
Initially, the pain was around my left temple, causing tightness in the muscles around my head and ear, which then progressed to pain inside my eye.
I visited an ophthalmology clinic, where the doctor noted elevated intraocular pressure, but the pain continued without relief and even shifted locations—from the left rear of my left eye to the right rear.
After consulting three different ophthalmologists, the third doctor conducted a thorough examination, including checking my optic nerve, but could not identify the cause.
I mentioned that the pain was deep behind my eye and near my ear, and he suggested I see a neuro-ophthalmologist.
I then consulted a neurologist, who performed an autonomic nervous system test (using clamps on my limbs while lying still for ten minutes).
He noted that I had arrhythmia and measured my pulse, indicating some irregularity in my heartbeat.
Ultimately, he suspected a cervical spine issue and advised me to apply heat and take B vitamins, which might help improve my condition.
Following this, I visited a rehabilitation specialist who ordered X-rays and diagnosed me with cervical spine compression of the trigeminal nerve.
He prescribed neck stretching exercises and electrical therapy for rehabilitation.
I began my rehabilitation regimen, initially believing the pain would improve.
However, I continued to feel distinct pain points deep behind my eye and in my ear, which would shift—sometimes more intense in my eye, other times in my ear.
The pain felt like sharp needles, and the discomfort in my ear was more pronounced, with intermittent stabbing sensations in my right ear.
I also consulted an ENT specialist, who examined my ear and found no abnormalities.
At night, the pain often kept me awake, and I experienced warmth and pain on the left side of my face, along with dizziness and mild nausea.
I researched my symptoms online and went to Taichung Veterans General Hospital to see a neurosurgeon.
The doctor was concerned about a possible brain tumor and ordered a CT scan (on September 14), but the results showed no tumors.
He suggested I might be experiencing facial nerve spasms.
I researched this condition but did not exhibit symptoms like facial drooping, inability to close my eyes, or facial twitching.
On September 21, I found information online indicating that my dizziness could be due to vestibular disorders of the inner ear, which are often difficult to diagnose.
Concerned, I visited an ENT specialist in Zhongli (where I attend university), but the doctor found no inflammation in my middle ear and believed it might be a brain issue, recommending I see a neurologist.
I consulted a part-time doctor at my university (who is currently a physician at Taoyuan Veterans General Hospital) on September 22.
I found potential causes that seemed to fit, including tension-type headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders causing nerve compression, cervical myofascial pain, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation.
He noted that since I could eat normally and had no teeth grinding habits, it likely wasn't TMJ-related.
He suggested I see a neurologist for facial nerve conduction studies and cervical ultrasound.
He also mentioned that if the CT scan showed no issues, it could rule out organ-related problems.
On September 21, during class, I felt a heaviness near the base of my skull close to the cervical spine.
Previously, in July and August, I had experienced intermittent sharp pains near the brainstem, but they were not continuous.
Movements like tucking my chin or tilting my head to the right would trigger discomfort in that area (though I couldn't definitively pinpoint the pain).
However, pressing on my head, neck, and shoulders did not reveal any specific pain points.
Currently, I still feel very dizzy, struggling to maintain balance and often leaning to the right while walking, although my vision does not appear to be shaking or spinning.
The painful area remains above my left eye and near my ear, with tightness from my temple to the muscles above my ear, creating a sensation of being pulled upward.
Occasionally, I experience sharp pain in my right ear, but it is infrequent.
The sides of my head, particularly around the temples, feel tight, as if I am wearing a very tight hat.
Although I feel somewhat better than before, during the summer, my head felt extremely tight and pulled upward, and I noticed clicking sounds in my jaw while eating.
I am truly at a loss about what to do next.
Which specialty should I consult?

Zhang Tongxue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/24

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology


Hello, Student Chang: You have done a lot of homework, which is impressive.
Myofascial pain syndrome in the neck should be considered first.
Symptoms may include pain, discomfort, muscle stiffness, or a heavy sensation.
Symptoms may worsen with changes in weather and can be alleviated with stretching activities, often recurring.
During acute episodes, there may be localized muscle tension and spasms, leading to restricted movement.
The pain may be deep within the tendons, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact pain location, and rehabilitation outcomes may be less effective.
If symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a rehabilitation physician to discuss the possibility of local injection therapy or acupuncture treatment.
Additionally, it is recommended to reduce prolonged use of electronic devices in the same posture.
Wishing you good health and peace.

Reply Date: 2017/09/24

More Info


The symptoms you describe are complex and multifaceted, indicating a potential neurological issue that requires careful evaluation. Based on your account, you have experienced a range of symptoms including dizziness, facial pain, ear discomfort, and potential neck issues, which have led to a series of consultations with various specialists.
Your initial dizziness on June 14, which you attributed to stress and lack of sleep, could be a sign of vestibular dysfunction or even a migraine variant, especially since it was not accompanied by headache or nausea. The subsequent development of pain around your left eye and ear, along with the sensation of pressure and tightness, suggests the possibility of trigeminal neuralgia or even a form of cervicogenic headache, where pain is referred from the neck to the head.

The fact that you have seen multiple specialists, including ophthalmologists, neurologists, and ENT doctors, is crucial in ruling out serious conditions such as tumors or infections. The normal brain imaging results are reassuring, but they do not completely explain your symptoms. The mention of cervical spine issues and the potential for nerve compression is significant. Cervical radiculopathy, which occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, can lead to pain that radiates to the head and face, as well as dizziness.

Your symptoms of facial pain, particularly around the eye and ear, could also be related to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. If there is irritation or compression of this nerve, it could lead to the type of pain you are experiencing. Additionally, the tightness and discomfort in your jaw could indicate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which can also contribute to facial pain and headaches.

The autonomic symptoms you mentioned, such as heart rate irregularities and feelings of dizziness, may suggest a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, which can occur in various conditions, including anxiety disorders or chronic pain syndromes. The tightness in your temples and the sensation of wearing a tight hat could be indicative of tension-type headaches, which are often exacerbated by stress and muscle tension.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it may be beneficial to pursue a multidisciplinary approach. Consulting with a neurologist who specializes in headache disorders could provide further insights. Additionally, a physical therapist with experience in treating cervical spine issues and TMJ disorders may help alleviate some of your symptoms through targeted exercises and manual therapy.

In summary, while your symptoms are concerning and warrant thorough investigation, the absence of serious findings on imaging studies is a positive sign. It is essential to continue working with healthcare professionals to pinpoint the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of your condition. Keeping a symptom diary, noting when symptoms occur and any potential triggers, may also aid in your diagnosis and treatment.

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