I am in unbearable intermittent pain on the left side of my neck, left ear and left jaw. I just came back from the ER and was diagnosed with Carotidynia. I am still so very perplexed and concerned that there is possibly an underlying cause that needs to be addressed. Here's a little history:

1) Late February 2012 - I had a terrible, sudden and sharp at the top of my head which caused me to duck down (as if I had just been shot in the head). As I stood up the left side of my face became numb, then my left hand/fingers and later my left left.

2) Went to ER, my blood pressure was around 200/116.

3) Was admitted into the hospital, had a series of tests (MRI/MRA(?)/CTScan and another test and blood work).

4) Given high blood pressure medication and put on a daily aspirin regimen.

5) Early March 2012, my heart rate was so fast that when I was resting in bed, I felt like I had just finished completing a sprint. I was out of breath and could barely talk because I had not breath.

6) Doctor put me on a beta blocker and put me on disability for two months.

7) May 24, 2012 started having an unbearable intermittent pain on the left side of my neck, left ear and left jaw.

8) May 28, 2012 woke up in excruciating pain on the left side of my neck and my left lip was numb. (And it stil is.)

9) May 30, 2012 woke up tasting and smelling blood in my mouth. Spit out fresh blood and blood clots from my mouth.

10) I looked at my pillow and my pillow case had blood on it that soaked through to the pillow. Called a personal friend who is a physician, and knowing my recent medical history, she told me to go quickly to ER.

11) I just came back from the ER and was diagnosed with Carotidynia.

I am still so very perplexed and concerned that there is possibly an underlying cause that needs to be addressed. I am concerned that my vessels have thinned. HELP.

Has anyone else had this correlation?

Thank you for your time.