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Head & Neck

Head and neck conditions, such as headaches and swelling, can often result from other underlying problems. Sinus, sleep, and other problems can lead to headaches; while infections and allergies can cause swelling in the neck. The thyrod gland, located in the neck, can also lead to other problems if it is not functioning properly. Our team will diligently seek to find the source of your discomfort in your head and neck in order to provide the best treatment possible.

Some Common Conditions:
Description

Sinus headaches can be the result of pressure in the sinus cavity due to sinusitis. Sinus headaches are also sometimes due to migraines or tension headaches that occur behind the eyes / sinuses.

Symptoms
  • Pain / pressure around eyes
  • Pain across cheeks and forehead
  • Eye redness / eyelid swelling
Treatments

Treatment for migraines includes both over-the-counter and prescription medications and preventative medications for patients with severe or frequent headaches, or if headaches are present for more than 15 days per month. If a headache is the result of sinusitis, treatment of the underlying cause should help alleviate the pain.

Description

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is producing too much hormone. This excess of thyroid hormone causes the body’s metabolism to be overactive. A simple blood test can diagnose hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms
  • A racing heart / palpitations
  • Tremors
  • Feeling jittery
  • Unplanned weight loss
  • Feeling hot all the time
  • Feeling jittery
  • Difficulty sleeping
Treatments

Treatment for hyperthyroidism includes daily medications, radioactive iodine, or thyroid surgery. The therapy depends on the cause of the hyperthyroidism, response to treatment, and the preferences of the patient.

Description

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormone. Hypothyroidism's deficiency of thyroid hormones can disrupt such things as heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of metabolism. Hypothyroidism is most prevalent in older women.

Symptoms
  • Body fatigue
  • Lethargy
  • Feeling cold
  • Brittle nails
  • Constipation
  • High cholesterol
  • Sluggishness
Treatments

Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine. This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Description

There are four parathyroid glands that are usually located on the back of the thyroid in the neck area. Parathyroid glands secrete a hormone called PHT, which helps to regulate blood calcium levels. An overactive thyroid causes the body to get excess calcium from the bones. This can lead to osteoporosis, muscle problems, and an increased risk of stroke.

Symptoms
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Muscle cramps
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Heartburn
  • Headaches
  • Leg pain
Treatments

Parathyroid glands rarely develop cancer, but the enlarged gland must be removed because it increases calcium in the blood. Medication cannot control the calcium levels. Surgery is the only treatment.

Description

Head and neck cancers are curable if caught early. Fortunately, most of them produce early symptoms. Successful treatment of head and neck cancer depends on early detection. Head and neck cancers occur due to prolonged exposure to specific risk factors, such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol abuse, or exposure to HPV.

Symptoms
  • A lump in the neck
  • Change in the voice
  • A growth in the mouth
  • Bringing up blood
  • Swallowing problems
  • Changes in the skin
  • Persistent earache
Treatments

Treatment options depend on several factors, such as the stage of disease, type and location of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, systemic therapies (such as chemotherapy), and immunotherapy.

Description

Neck masses can occur for many reasons. A neck mass may develop due to a viral or bacterial infection, ar or sinus infection, dental infection, goiter, or other reasons. Other causes for a neck mass may be due to cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, thyroid or salivary gland cancer.

Symptoms
  • A lump in the neck
  • Change in the voice
  • Neck or throat pain
  • Pain with swallowing
  • Nasal blockage
  • Coughing up blood
  • Persistent earache
Treatments

A biopsy is usually done for persistent neck masses. If the neck mass is found to be cancerous, treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments depending on the diagnosis and stage of the disease.

Description

The Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your temporal bone and your mandible in front of your ear, making it possible for you to open and close your mouth. When this joint is damaged, it can cause a significant amount of pain. TMJ can be caused by a trauma to the jaw, teeth grinding, excessive gum chewing, improper bite, or arthritis.

Symptoms
  • Pain when chewing
  • Creaking or popping in jaw
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Difficulty opening mouth fully
  • Headaches
  • Jaw pain or fatigue
Treatments

Common simple treatments for TMJ include: eating soft foods, avoiding gum, not clenching the jaw, moist heat. Other treatments for advanced cases may include an occlusal splint, or mouth guard, to prevent wear and tear on the joint, improving the alignment of the upper and lower teeth, and surgery.

Description

Sialadenitis is inflammation and enlargement of one or more of the salivary glands. The three major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual. Sialadenitis can occur due to infection, salivary stones, or an underlying autoimmune disorder. It usually affects the parotid and submandibular glands and is most common among the elderly.

Symptoms
  • Swelling in the cheek and neck after eating
  • Mouth or facial pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Foul taste
  • Gritty feeling in mouth
  • Cheek redness
Treatments

Treatment for sialadenitis includes good oral hygiene, increasing fluid intake, massaging over the affected gland, applying a warm compress, and using candies or foods which increase saliva. In some cases, if the cause is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed. In rare cases of recurrent sialadenitis, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the gland.

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