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Sudden, sharp pain near my right carotid artery
I'm not sure what Doctor I should see. From time to time, I have a sharp, stabbing pain (some may describe is as a shocking pain) near my right carotid artery about two inches below my right ear. It is not frequent, but when it occurs, it stops me in my tracks. It is always in the same spot. Some times, I have 2 or 3 successive pains about 15 seconds apart. I have been thinking it is a muscle spasm. Since I do not know what the pain is, I don't know what kind of Doctor to see. I don't mean to talk down my PCP, but I don't think a pain killer is the answer. Is this something I would need to see a Cardiologist for?
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I don’t know if the pain is caused by Fibromuscular dysplasia but it could be. I had headaches and aura ( a zigzag across my field of vision). I was referred to a neurologist who did a brain scan and found FMD in my carotid arteries. I now take an 81 mg aspirin a day, the aura has gone and I get less headaches and neck pain. It is basically asymptomatic in my case luckily and I just followed up after a year and now every two years with the neurologist.
Here is a link if you want to see some information about this.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromuscular-dysplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352144
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2 ReactionsI am glad to hear that your FMD is doing better. Interesting information about FMD. Thanks! It "could" also explain some of my other symptoms. for instance, my BP has been elevated and hard to control. At one time, my PCP had me on 200mg of Metoprolol 2x daily beside 100mg Losartan 1x daily. I researched and concluded at my age (62) 400mg of Metoprolol daily was not advisable, so I stopped taking the Metoprolol. It made little difference anyway. I know controlling my OSA (Obstructive sleep apnea) would help with my BP. There is also the constant ringing in my ears, like tinnitus. That can be quite annoying. 81mg of Aspirin for me would, unfortunately, exacerbate the tinnitus.
Yes, the tinnitus is an issue but I feel the lack of aura and less stroke risk is worth the price. I also have high BP but it is from portal hypertension due to liver issues. Best of luck to you in your quest for answers.