Body pain
Hello Doctor, I previously experienced upper abdominal pain, left chest pain, left upper back pain, and difficulty swallowing.
After consulting with gastroenterology and cardiology, both departments found no issues.
I then visited a neurologist, who conducted an examination and provided me with a report highlighting three areas of concern, advising me to see a neurosurgeon.
The findings were as follows: BAEP diagnosis: abnormal, suggesting a right peripheral hearing disorder; SSEP: suspected peripheral dysfunction of the median nerve SSEP on the right side; and peripheral dysfunction of the tibial nerve SSEP on both sides.
However, when I consulted a neurosurgeon, he stated that this did not fall within his scope.
I would like to know if this report indicates a problem or if it is normal.
Additionally, today I experienced sudden severe pain in the left carotid artery area, which was so intense that even a light touch caused pain.
This lasted for about two to three minutes, and after relief, it recurred after an hour or two.
Could this be related to the carotid artery?
Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/10
Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Your report indicates right peripheral hearing disorders.
There is a peripheral dysfunction of the median nerve SSEP on the right side.
Additionally, there is a peripheral dysfunction of the tibial nerve SSEP bilaterally.
These abnormalities do not seem to explain the "upper abdominal pain, left chest pain, and left upper back pain" you described.
You mentioned that "the left common carotid artery area suddenly experiences severe pain, which is so intense that even a light touch causes pain, lasting about two to three minutes, and then recurs after one to two hours." This is more indicative of a muscular or neurological issue causing tenderness.
I recommend that you follow up with a neurology outpatient clinic for further evaluation.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center, cares about you.
Reply Date: 2021/08/10
More Info
Understanding neurological pain can be quite complex, especially when faced with abnormal test results and persistent symptoms. Based on your description, it seems you have undergone a thorough evaluation by both gastroenterology and cardiology, which ruled out significant issues in those areas. However, the findings from your neurological assessment indicate some abnormalities that warrant further exploration.
The BAEP (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials) results suggesting a right peripheral hearing disorder may indicate that there is an issue with the auditory pathways, possibly related to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This does not necessarily imply a severe condition but could explain any auditory symptoms you might be experiencing. The SSEP (Somatosensory Evoked Potentials) findings indicating suspected peripheral dysfunction of the median nerve and tibial nerve suggest that there may be issues with the sensory pathways in your arms and legs. These findings can be associated with conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, which can arise from various causes, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or even autoimmune disorders.
It is important to understand that while these findings are abnormal, they do not automatically indicate a severe or untreatable condition. They do, however, suggest that there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed. It is not uncommon for neurologists to refer patients to other specialists, such as neurosurgeons, when they believe that surgical intervention may be necessary. However, if the neurosurgeon feels that your case does not require surgical management, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another neurologist or a specialist in peripheral nerve disorders.
Regarding your recent experience of sudden, severe pain in the left carotid artery area, this could potentially be related to several factors. The carotid artery supplies blood to the brain, and pain in this area can sometimes indicate issues such as carotid artery dissection, inflammation, or even muscular strain. Given that the pain is severe and exacerbated by touch, it is essential to take this symptom seriously. If this pain persists or worsens, I strongly recommend seeking immediate medical attention, as it could indicate a vascular issue that requires prompt evaluation.
In summary, your neurological test results indicate some abnormalities that should not be dismissed, but they do not necessarily point to a dire condition. It is crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider who can interpret these findings in the context of your overall health and symptoms. Additionally, the sudden neck pain you are experiencing should be evaluated promptly to rule out any serious vascular issues. Always trust your instincts when it comes to your health, and do not hesitate to seek further evaluations or opinions if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed.
Similar Q&A
Understanding Spasticity and Pain Management After Neurosurgery
Dear Dr. Chang Jun-Wei, I am a patient who has consulted at multiple hospitals and undergone a series of tests including blood biochemistry, 24-hour urine analysis, and peripheral nerve examinations, which included sensory and motor evoked potentials, sensory and motor nerve con...
Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery
Your question is too complex to be answered online based solely on the information you provided.[Read More] Understanding Spasticity and Pain Management After Neurosurgery
Understanding Symptoms of Imbalance and Abnormal Sensations: A Neurology Perspective
Hello, Dr. Gao. Based on your response, I still have some questions. (Symptoms can be side effects of medication or may indicate a sensory disturbance. It would be advisable to have a neurologist perform a detailed neurological examination to assess this function. If any abnormal...
Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Neurological examination determines whether there is a dysfunction in the sensory nervous system, and based on the findings of the neurological assessment, the next laboratory or imaging tests will be decided. Any neurologist at Taichung Hospital can assist you. After the examina...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Imbalance and Abnormal Sensations: A Neurology Perspective
Understanding and Managing Unexplained Body Pain: A Neurology Perspective
Hello Dr. Jiang, for the past month and a half, I have been experiencing unexplained sharp pain throughout my body, including my head, eyes, and especially in my hands and feet. I went to the hospital for examination, but they could not determine the cause. However, I clearly fee...
Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, it may be necessary to first consider hyperventilation syndrome. Typical symptoms include chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, numbness in the hands and feet, and a tingling sensation on the scalp. Physical examination ...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Unexplained Body Pain: A Neurology Perspective
Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Seeking Answers for Lingering Issues
Hello, doctor. I have previously detailed my symptoms. Now I have some questions to ask. I had a brain MRI done before, which showed no abnormalities. However, during a brainstem function test, it was found that the function values on the left side of my brainstem were not very g...
Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Your symptoms may suggest sympathetic nervous system hyperactivation, leading to mucosal dryness. Additionally, estrogen instability can cause similar symptoms. It is recommended to consult a gynecologist to check for any premenopausal symptoms that may exacerbate the exis...[Read More] Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Seeking Answers for Lingering Issues
Related FAQ
(Neurology)
Foot Pain(Neurology)
Neck Pain(Neurology)
Muscle Pain(Neurology)
Headache(Neurology)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(Neurology)
Sensory Numbness(Neurology)
Eeg(Neurology)
Sports Injury(Neurology)
Shoulder Joint Pain(Neurology)