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What Causes Swollen Artery In Neck Area Along With Painful Swollen Right Eye?
Question: This is a continuation of emails I had yesterday with a doctor. I asked a followup ? today and haven't heard from him, don't know if I was supposed to ask another doctor.
Here is today's email
Hi, after our emails yesterday things stayed the same but I got a severe headache in the evening and the artery (?) on the right side of my neck felt swollen and hurt to the touch. This morning the swollen artery is still present, my right eye is swollen and hurts when touched, right temple also hurts.
Still sound like advil withdrawal symptoms? I've done the stroke STR - repeatedly :-) - and pass it I thinks change of the swollen eye and artery (?) has further concerned me. Thanks, XXXXXXX
Asked by Me , 1 hour ago
Here is today's email
Hi, after our emails yesterday things stayed the same but I got a severe headache in the evening and the artery (?) on the right side of my neck felt swollen and hurt to the touch. This morning the swollen artery is still present, my right eye is swollen and hurts when touched, right temple also hurts.
Still sound like advil withdrawal symptoms? I've done the stroke STR - repeatedly :-) - and pass it I thinks change of the swollen eye and artery (?) has further concerned me. Thanks, XXXXXXX
Asked by Me , 1 hour ago
Brief Answer:
Suspect giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis).
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully as well as your exchange with my colleague Dr. Dadapeer and I understand your concern.
Looking at the evolution of those symptoms I believe your worry is justified. Considering your age, visual symptoms, right temple and neck artery involvement my main suspicion is of a case of giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis as it is called, an inflammation involving blood vessels.
The diagnosis is confirmed by physical exam and initially lab inflammation tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein. If the findings correspond to this diagnosis it may be all the necessary and treatment started, if unsure imaging tests may be necessary.
Of course this is only a hypothesis as I lack the luxury of being able to physically examine you.
If my hypothesis is correct though, it is important that treatment is started as soon as possible or there is the threat of visual impairment, so I think you should require medical attention sooner rather than later, even in the ER.
I remain at your disposal for further questions. I would also appreciate you letting me know the result of your visit and tests.
Suspect giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis).
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully as well as your exchange with my colleague Dr. Dadapeer and I understand your concern.
Looking at the evolution of those symptoms I believe your worry is justified. Considering your age, visual symptoms, right temple and neck artery involvement my main suspicion is of a case of giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis as it is called, an inflammation involving blood vessels.
The diagnosis is confirmed by physical exam and initially lab inflammation tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein. If the findings correspond to this diagnosis it may be all the necessary and treatment started, if unsure imaging tests may be necessary.
Of course this is only a hypothesis as I lack the luxury of being able to physically examine you.
If my hypothesis is correct though, it is important that treatment is started as soon as possible or there is the threat of visual impairment, so I think you should require medical attention sooner rather than later, even in the ER.
I remain at your disposal for further questions. I would also appreciate you letting me know the result of your visit and tests.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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