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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.
I have the exact same sensation! I am glad to hear I’m not the only one. It’s very hard to describe, so I appreciate you explaining it well. Have you found any resolution for this?
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2 ReactionsI have had 2.5 months of severe pain in my left neck from my shoulder up behind my ear. I had trouble sleeping due to stabbing pains when moving. In the end, I had trouble getting dressed/undressed. I have poor follow-up, I can write to a doctor at the medical and vascular clinic but nothing happens anyway so I ignore it now. You need peace of mind. Suddenly I feel better for a couple of days, less headache, only slight pain in the left neck vessel (I have FMD in both carotid vessels and in the basilar artery in the brain). Always loud tinnitus but I have gotten used to it, only sometimes when it changes tone with clicks or short silences etc. do I get worried. I feel grateful for less pain that gives me peace of mind. It goes up and down all the time and it can never be good but you have to make the most of this moment. Hugs to those of you who are having a tough period now🙏