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I Take Trileptal And Gabapentin And Have Had Occipital Nerve Blocks

Posted on Wed, 29 Jan 2025

Question: I have a bulging disk/osteophyte at C5-C6. I know that this does not typically cause facial pain, headaches and muscle spasms in the face, but they cannot find another reason for my headaches and these symptoms. I also have blurred vision and a constant right eye twitch x a year and a half, with most of the pain on the left side. No relief. I also have problems swallowing and it is not acid reflux, because I was diagnosed with that first and had surgery to fix it and the swallowing problems and nerve pain never went away. I am at a loss. I take Trileptal and gabapentin and have had occipital nerve blocks. The headache never goes away. I have had it for a year and a half and it feels like it is related to my neck.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (31 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to low levels of Vitamin B12.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Bulging discs in the neck can cause headache and dizziness. But these are not associated with blurred vision and twitches in the eye. This can be related to low levels of vitamin B12. You can get your blood levels tested and check for any electrolyte disturbances. In case there is any such abnormality then proper supplements and electrolyte rich drinks will help in improving the symptoms.
You can also start with isometric neck exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist and see if it helps. Avoid using a pillow and any abnormal neck positions. Taking oral muscle relaxants in addition to pain killers will also help.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 hours later)

I have had full blood work done which was all normal. This has to be a nerve related issue because it has been going on for one year and 3 months. I take b-12 everyday. I guess I just need to find a new neurologist for this issue. I can deal with the dizziness everyday but I cannot deal with the headaches. Can disc problems like this cause headaches? They told me my brain MRI was normal, but another doctor told me it was fairly normal. I was not having headaches at the time I had the MRI.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Headache can be due to cervical issues.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Headaches can be associated with cervical spondylosis. Dizziness is also associated with cervical issues. These will improve with physiotherapy done for cervical spondylosis. Till then mild pain killers can help. The twitches and blurred vision need an evaluation by a neurologist and ophthalmologist.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar