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What Causes Stiff Neck With Shock-like Sensation And Headaches With Buzzing Feeling?

Posted on Tue, 1 Sep 2015

Question: Hello,

I am desperate for an answer. About 5 months ago I started experiencing a stiff neck upon waking up and strange shock like sensations that seemed to be triggered by any kind of pressure at the base of the skullIt has woken me up in the night, I get headaches and Nausea as well. The pain and headaches get worse if I put pressure on that area (tried massaging the spot in between top of spine and base of skull). NSAIDS only work minorly. It's constant and every day. I had temporary insurance last month for a month and I got an MRI of brain (normal) an ex ray of neck (normal) and a FULL blood work. I was on lexapro for 10 years, got off last year and resumed for a small period 2 months ago to see if it would help my headaches/shock like sensations. It didn't so I am no longer on lexapro, but bc I have anxiety I have been on Xanax .5 mg twice a day for about 3 months. The shocks started before this. Xanax helps a little. laying flat on my bed helps. It's getting more and more frequent. Also, I haven't been active at all the past few months bc I've been so depressed and upset about not feeling well on a daily basis, and my posture is not great (I could be putting a lot of pressure on my neck- I'm tall and have had bad posture for a long time- slouching and leaning my neck forward). I put my symptoms in online and something that comes close to everything I'm describing is occitipital neuralgia. I couldn't sleep last night due to the pressure in that area and buzzing in my head and sour stomach. I'm so frustrated. I don't know what the next step should be. I also don't have insurance until November so it's hard for me to go to any specialist right now. Any ideas or suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Occipital neuralgia is a strong possibility.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

I have gone through your detailed medical history and I must say that of course,Occipital neuralgia is one strong possibility.But,in this setting its advisable to get a MRI for cervical spine done to rule out the secondary causes like inflammation of cervical spine,degenerative cervical spine,disc disease or some other structural abnormality.
Further,I suggest you to visit a neurologist and get yourself examined in person.A neurologist may put pressure on your occipital nerve,to see if it creates the typical pain,associated in your case.
Once the diagnosis is settled,we can proceed to an effective management.

If you have any further questions,I shall be glad to answer else please close the thread,rate it and write a review as your rating will be of help to me.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

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

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (1 hour later)

Thanks. I don't have insurance right now so I don't know what to do for relief. When I put any kind of pressure in that area (the soft spot under the base of skull), I get pressure/tingling in my forehead. Also, if my neck is tilted forward and I raise my chin up I feel very sore in that base skull area. The nausea is really bad as well and I hear a slight ringing in my ears too. Anything you suggest in the meantime for me to have relief?

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Anti-inflammatory medicines/Tricyclic antidepressants.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up.

You can take Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines(like Ibuprofen,Naproxen).At the same time,I feel starting amitriptyline 10 mg at bedtime regularly will be really beneficial.
PLEASE TAKE MEDICINES UNDER A PHYSICIAN'S GUIDANCE ONLY.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

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