Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Neck Pain On The Left Side A Sign Of A Stroke?
Question: Can a pain on the left side of my neck be a sign of a stroke? My blood pressure has been running high.
Brief Answer:
Most probably no stroke
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. I carefully read your query. Thank you for your question.
Well, there are multiple reasons that would rather explain this kind of isolated, left-side neck pain, than stroke. Stroke is a syndrome, in aspect of clinical symptoms and signs, which is characterized almost inherently by four or five symptoms. There are more usual suspects that can explain pain in the left side of the neck, as a sole symptom. It is usually caused by chronic or acute inflammation of the muscles of the area, probably due to assuming erratic position during sleep or during lying down. In this case, pain will subside spontaneously, or a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, indomethacin) may be needed to be used. Also, this may come due to senile changes in the vertebrae of the neck, in which case I would recommend you to undergo a X-ray of the neck, and then further treatment may be recommended. To sum up, my opinion is that this is not a stroke.
As about the high blood pressure figures, they are called controlled if they are under 140/90 mmHg. If constantly during a day, the figures are higher than those provided, then you should consult your general physician or your cardiologist, about the possibility of an another anti-hypertensive drug to be added in your therapy.
I hope my answer is helpful. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Most probably no stroke
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. I carefully read your query. Thank you for your question.
Well, there are multiple reasons that would rather explain this kind of isolated, left-side neck pain, than stroke. Stroke is a syndrome, in aspect of clinical symptoms and signs, which is characterized almost inherently by four or five symptoms. There are more usual suspects that can explain pain in the left side of the neck, as a sole symptom. It is usually caused by chronic or acute inflammation of the muscles of the area, probably due to assuming erratic position during sleep or during lying down. In this case, pain will subside spontaneously, or a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, indomethacin) may be needed to be used. Also, this may come due to senile changes in the vertebrae of the neck, in which case I would recommend you to undergo a X-ray of the neck, and then further treatment may be recommended. To sum up, my opinion is that this is not a stroke.
As about the high blood pressure figures, they are called controlled if they are under 140/90 mmHg. If constantly during a day, the figures are higher than those provided, then you should consult your general physician or your cardiologist, about the possibility of an another anti-hypertensive drug to be added in your therapy.
I hope my answer is helpful. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
