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What Causes Heaviness In The Throat, Fainting And High Prolactin Levels?
Question: My wife is experiencing what she considers to be a heaviness in the throat. She also had two bouts over the last two days where she felt like she might faint, though she didn't. No clue if these are related.
At the advice of a family friend who is a doctor she took a xanax, antacids, and some soda.
It seemed to help for about 4 hours but then her symptom of heaviness in the throat comeback.
Is this serious? Do we need to go to the ER. Any clues what is going on?
Some background, she had epilepsy surgery 5 years ago and is now seizure free and not on any meds. All she takes is birth control.
She recently has been having some hormonal issues and we found her prolactin is high, she has been worried about this. Again not sure if this is related.
If I can give any other details please let me know.
At the advice of a family friend who is a doctor she took a xanax, antacids, and some soda.
It seemed to help for about 4 hours but then her symptom of heaviness in the throat comeback.
Is this serious? Do we need to go to the ER. Any clues what is going on?
Some background, she had epilepsy surgery 5 years ago and is now seizure free and not on any meds. All she takes is birth control.
She recently has been having some hormonal issues and we found her prolactin is high, she has been worried about this. Again not sure if this is related.
If I can give any other details please let me know.
Brief Answer:
No need for ER visit, GP and Neurologist consultation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
About throat heaviness, most possible conditions to consider include gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), anxiety, esophageal spasms, heart conditions etc.
Since antacids and xanax worked, GERD and anxiety are most possible causes.
Fainting has nothing to do with throat heaviness or high prolactin levels, but is necessary to exclude seizures (atonic seizures) since there is epilepsy history.
High prolactin levels , if there is no adenoma of the pituitary gland that is overproducing prolactin, may be related to birth control pills or stress.
A MRI with pituitary gland protocol is necessary to confirm or exclude adenoma.
In conclusion, I don't think it is necessary to rush to ER, evaluation by your wife's GP about GERD, anxiety and another evaluation by Neurologist about seizures is necessary.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
No need for ER visit, GP and Neurologist consultation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
About throat heaviness, most possible conditions to consider include gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), anxiety, esophageal spasms, heart conditions etc.
Since antacids and xanax worked, GERD and anxiety are most possible causes.
Fainting has nothing to do with throat heaviness or high prolactin levels, but is necessary to exclude seizures (atonic seizures) since there is epilepsy history.
High prolactin levels , if there is no adenoma of the pituitary gland that is overproducing prolactin, may be related to birth control pills or stress.
A MRI with pituitary gland protocol is necessary to confirm or exclude adenoma.
In conclusion, I don't think it is necessary to rush to ER, evaluation by your wife's GP about GERD, anxiety and another evaluation by Neurologist about seizures is necessary.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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