Suggest Treatment For Sore Spots Near Ear And Neck

Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016

Question: I am 90 years old with lumbar problems that have been operated on ( 2 Lumbar Fusion) but still suffer pain there and a pinced nerve .... I take 10mg Targin twice daily and one 5mg Endep daily which controls the pain but I am still stiff in my actions .... From yesterday I have become very lethargicand sleepy and have developed an uncomfortable/sore spots near my left ear and downtowards the neck and a 'heavy head'. My blood pressure checks normal ..... I would appreciate your advice ....It is 8.30 pm .... should I go to the Hospital Emergancy???? email < YYYY@YYYY > ..... XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle spasm along with disturbed sleep probably.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Looking at the symptoms of sore spots near left ear and along the neck, I am thinking of a muscle spasm due to abnormal sleeping position. Rest should help.
2. Hope you are taking your medications correctly. Make sure you are not overdosed, as Endep can increase sleep and reduce activity. Heavy head, could be due to disturbed sleep. A full night sleep should help.
3. As the blood pressure is normal, I would think of any emergency for now.

At present, based on the symptoms, nothing to worry. Rest, with good sleeping position should be adequate. If soreness persists in the morning, muscle relaxant like chlorzoxazone along with hot compressions should help.
When you visit your doctor do get your hemoglobin checked to rule out anemia. If it is normal and increased sleepiness and weakness persists, then thyroid hormone evaluation may be necessary.

For now, there appears to be no emergency, but if drowsiness persists or gets worse and if you develop confusion or any other symptoms, please do visit emergency.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (13 hours later)

Thank you for your advice ..... I should have mentioned that my query was from the
Google 'Shingles' page and I think that the symptoms I have relate to some of the details provided...... my left eye has blurred vision and the 'sore spots' are itchy
My password is ,,,,XXXX .... email
Thank you ! XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Does not appear to be shingles.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking again.

Shingles at this age is a very painful condition. It is usually neural in nature. Unless you are finding a group of small elevated skin colored or red colored lesions, it is probably not shingles.
Blurred vision requires evaluation by a ophthalmologist to evaluate for local causes, probably cataract or uncorrected vision or even if redness is present, could be infection. I do not think shingles has affected the eye at present.
The itchy sore spots, means it is probably allergic. As it is recent, avoid any new dust exposure. Take antihistamines like cetrizine or loratidine and locally apply moisturizers to reduce dryness. This will help in reduction of itching.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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