Posted by CCF Neurosurgery MD on February 11, 1998 at 19:45:44:

In Reply to: Large Vertebral Artery/MRI Follow Up From Mary posted by Mary on February 10, 1998 at 18:04:43:

: Thank You so much for your help..How can I tell this story over and over and over again and not be heard..I am a household word here in Houston How embarrassing..Yes, I can trigger the attacks by swallowing and talking and laughing. The last neurologist said the pains had to be "lightning bolts" before anyone would listen to me..the only lightning bolts are in the left ear..The other pain, i describe as horrid Jabs....I have also developed in the last year and a half, a wheezing sound like asthma..So since this all started, I run to a cardiologist when the pains cause my heart to go irractic and I run to the pulmonologist when the wheezing gets soo bad that I cannot breathe..Then they put me on a breathing machine and fill me up with cortizone...I really think that all this is connected to one thing...Compression someplace..Dr.I did try tegrotol last year..A neighbor told me to try it..After three day, I broke out in a rash and itched horribly...Then, a doc gave me Stadol and it put me out light a light but I could feel the jabs coming right through...So, I have tried some drugs but so far no help...God Bless You......Thank You....When i look for a neurosurgeon, do i ask if they are experienced in Glossophyngeal Neuralgia....Thanks again........

Dear Mary:

I am happy to hear that our answer seemed to help with your problem.
Glossopharungeal neuralgia is a very uncommon problem and is not a condition seen very frequently. You should ask to be seen by a neurosurgeon who specializes in skull base disorders. I think that this would be your best bet.

Good Luck!