Hello,

My name is Brett, I'm a 33 year old male and hope that after two years of discomfort that someone here may be able to point me in the right direction.

For the sake of ease of reading, I will break things down below and thank any who take the time for reading. I also apologize in advance for the lack of correct terminology I may use.

Background

Anxiety and OCD

Some years ago I was diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. This presented itself through multiple panic attacks. Whilst this was recently diagnosed (a few years ago), I am quite certain it was present from my childhood as I can remember numerous attacks. In addition, I have also suffered from some minor OCD through this same time. (Minor enough that only those close to me can notice)

Migraine / Loss of Feeling

Whilst a separate issue that presented well after my current throat problems, I thought I should mention this in case it is related. About 1 year ago, at night, my friends noticed my pupils were very dilated. The following morning I woke to find my left arm absent of all feeling (whilst I could move it), I was vomiting and my was speech slurred. I managed to call an ambulance and was subsequently taken to hospital for testing. All tests came back negative, thus ruling out all 'baddies' such as stroke and tumor.

This occurred to minor levels a few more times over the following months.

My doctor, who is experienced in psychiatry, believes it to be a form of migraine with neural affects. I cannot conclude whether this is correct.

Lead up to throat problems

To add to my most special melting pot of problems, another issue arose in the lead up to my throat issues.

Before Xmas in 2006, I had a bad ear infection. A doctor put me on a nasal spray and forget to tell me to not take it for more than 3 days due to it often causing chronic re-congestion. 5 weeks later, severely addicted, I was weening off of this spray using a non habit-forming type. At this time, I ate a small biscuit which happened to contain nuts (without my knowledge). I had always had a very minor nut allergy, but this even led to full blown anaphylaxis.

By the time I managed to get medical attention (adrenalin), I was unable to breathe, losing my vision and about to pass out. It was a close call to say the least. But... I survived to 'annoy another day'.

The Throat Problem

Globus?

Within a few weeks of this nut reaction, I had at times thought I was having another reaction with my throat 'closing up'. This was later checked via an endoscopy and I was told by the ENT that I had Globus Hystericus. He put me on Endep, though a few months later I ceased taking this as it made no difference save to make me dopy (er).

My current GP also agreed with this diagnosis and I found myself relying on my Xanax to avoid the daily symptoms. I was then also put on Zoloft as a means to ween off of Xanax, and hopefully be symptom free some months later.

About a month ago, I made the decision to remove myself from medication as it was having too much of a negative affect on my life. I have managed through the withdrawal phase for both Zoloft and Xanax, and with little anxiety. I am confident that my new approach to life has a great impact on this.

But... The symptoms remain...

Symptoms may point to Superior Laryngeal Nerve

Initially I am sure I did have globus as a result of stress from the allergic reaction. The major 'central' symptoms of globus have dissipated.

The left hand side of my neck, roughly along the line of the Vegas Nerve and location of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve is often very uncomfortable, bordering painful.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Larynx_external_en.svg

This link shows the Superior Laryngeal Nerve and Artery

This location seems to be the center of the main discomfort, and does cause some minor swallowing issues. By pressing on this location, I do gain some minor relief with the swallowing, but considering it also tends to cut off circulation, I cannot consider this a long term treatment.

I do not specifically know of any particular trauma in the past few years to this area, though I had been hit in that region by a previous ex partner who had some violence issues. I also find that the thyroid cartilage can be shifted with a 'clicking' from side to side by hand or muscle.

If I use a fingernail or tip to investigate the area of the nerve, I do find a very tender spot which when pressed, also creates an unusual referred 'feeling' in my upper inner throat (behind my tongue and down). I do think that this could be the crux of the problem.

Medication

To reiterate, Zoloft and in particular Xanax, seems to deal with this problem. If I take Xanax every single day, this issue is very much non existent and interferes little in my life.

As I am attempting to get healthier, lose weight, etc, I am trying to get off of all medication. And Xanax is not necessarily a good long term alternative.

Current Status

Tired of not being taken seriously, feeling as though I am given the option of treatment, I really would like to have this resolved once and for all. I am left with the option of researching the issue, and when I have enough information I will present it to the doctor to take it further. I am confident he will be supportive.

Thank You

Thank you to all those that have taken the time to read this. Whilst I am sure that it is a very menial issue as compared to what others may experience, I am this year engaged and looking to a new chapter in life. Leaving this in the past would be a wonderful gift.

I would dearly love to know any thoughts people may care to share, as to possible reasons for this and even some potential means for treatment.

Welcome to NeuroTalk, Brett.

I have a couple of questions, if you don't mind--

1) were you intubated for breathing during the anaphylaxsis attack, during your treatment?

2) have you been evaluated for thyroid problems?

Hi, and thanks for the very quick response.

1) No, I was not intubated. The mere thought of that even makes my throat uncomfortable.

2) I think maybe many years ago I was checked for thyroid problems... But not since any of this has happened (that I can recall). Should I consider getting this checked as well? It was something I had not considered.

Thanks again.

Yes, I'd get the thyroid checked out.

I had swelling on my thyroid that compressed the larygeal nerve and caused problems with swallowing and talking. This showed up during a radioactive isotope scan (my blood tests were pretty normal looking tho).

I'd also visit our Myasthenia Gravis site here, as some people have problems with the throat when this is beginning to manifest.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum77.html

Chronic sinus drainage, if infected can also affect the throat. I assume you have covered this potential?

This is some great information, thank you.

I have not considered chronic sinus drainage, no. Actually, I had no idea that this could be related. I'll read up on that too, and get the thyroid tests done.

Was the solution satisfactory after finding the thyroid problem?

yes, for me, the swelling went down, with thyroid medication.

I would consider reviewing body work, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and nutrition which may improve discomfort.

The Sternocleido mastoid and the muscles of mastication are a major source of face/neck pain.Take a look at
http://www.round-earth.com/SCM.html

The body worker can be a Rolfer, certified Massage therapist , Certified trigger Point Therapist. The body work techniques can balance the body head to toe resulting in a more balanced posture which will take some strain off your neck and head.

The head position can increase the nerve ganglion discomfort.

EFT is emotional acupuncture via tapping with finger pads not needles. There is a web site for EFT and look on youtube for videos.

Nutrition and vitamins can also play an important role in managing this discomfort
Best Wishes