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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Pain At The Base Of The Skull Indicate?

For the last two weeks I have had serve pain that is at the base of my skull and shoots up into my head. I cannot turn my head from side to side but I can move it up and down. I have been to a masseuse twice, no help. My physician once, he called it a crick in my neck, gave me a prescription for muscle relaxer and pain pills. Neither of which have helped. I work at a desk all day entering data. My stress level is pretty high. But this came on all at once. The pain is beginning to make my left jaw feel numb also.
Wed, 2 May 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

The pain may be neuralgia, which is nerve related pain. If it was related to muscle spasm, then the muscle relaxant medication should have helped. Neuralgia can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes. It may be best to consider seeing a neurologist for assistance if it continues. Some of the common causes are-
(1) diabetes
(2) trauma to the nerves
(3) low levels of vitamin B12 or folate
(4) thyroid disease
(5) infection
(6) liver or kidney disease
(7) a side effect of medication
(8) exposure to toxins
(9) abnormal vitamin B6 levels
(10) autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

In some cases, the cause is not found.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James
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What Does Pain At The Base Of The Skull Indicate?

Hello, The pain may be neuralgia, which is nerve related pain. If it was related to muscle spasm, then the muscle relaxant medication should have helped. Neuralgia can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes. It may be best to consider seeing a neurologist for assistance if it continues. Some of the common causes are- (1) diabetes (2) trauma to the nerves (3) low levels of vitamin B12 or folate (4) thyroid disease (5) infection (6) liver or kidney disease (7) a side effect of medication (8) exposure to toxins (9) abnormal vitamin B6 levels (10) autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis In some cases, the cause is not found. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Michelle Gibson James