About Eric P. Wilkinson, MD Expertise I am a board-certified otolaryngologist with additional subspecialty training in otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery. This is the subspecialty of otolaryngology that involves the ear, hearing, balance organs, the facial nerve, and surgery of the skull base including surgery for acoustic neuroma and other benign and malignant tumors of the base of the skull.
Experience Medical school, residency in otolaryngology, fellowship in otology/neurotology/skull base surgery
Organizations American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery North American Skull Base Society American Neurotology Society
Publications Laryngoscope Otology and Neurotology
Education/Credentials MD Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 2001 Otolaryngology Residency, University of Iowa Department of Otolaryngology, Iowa City, IA Otology/Neurotology Fellowship, House Ear Clinic, Los Angeles, CA
Expert: Eric P. Wilkinson, MD Date: 9/25/2007 Subject: Question regarding back of throat
Question QUESTION: Hi Dr. Wilkinson
I have been battling some baffling symptoms for quite some time now - the most prominent being an aching basically from the back of my pharynx right through to the occipital area. With this I have a stiff neck, headache, and get feeling ill or nauseated at times.
It has bothered me so much that I am able to palpate the very back of my throat, which I presume is agains my spine, and in the middle just off center, is a bump - not real easy to see but easy to feel. It is smooth and hard, and not really movable. It also aches when pressed, and seems to possibly be the area where my symptoms are centered. It is also aggrivated by movement or talking. This is basically just below the level of the uvula.
Is the back of the throat supposed to be smooth, or is this bump abnormal? Nothing of note showed up on a recent CT scan, but is making me feel very poorly.
Thanks for your help.
Kevin
ANSWER: This may be musculoskeletal or fascial bands in the pharynx that are associated with the neck and skull base muscles. You may want to treat it initially as musculoskeletal with antiinflammatories. What did your physician diagnose you with?
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QUESTION: Dr. Wilkinson
I have never been actually diagnosed with anything, which means they've never really tried any type of treatment. I have tried Advil with no relief. Lots of burning and aching.
I have wondered about Eagles syndrome due to the bony lump in the back of my throat, as well as longus coli tendonitis. Do you think these are possibilities, even though they were not noted on my CT scan results? Should I try other NSAID's before trying another course of action? Do you think an ENT specialist consult will be of assistance?
Thanks
Kevin
Answer All of your thoughts are possibilities. A CT should be able to diagnose Eagle's syndrome, however. You may want to try antiinflammatories for a period to see if the symptoms resolve; if they do not, then you may want to get another opinion.
