Please help us find a diagnosis for my son's mysterious illness

[Lise]

My adult son started having a sinus headache and flu-like symptoms in early October. His doctor suspected a sinus infection and gave him antibiotics, but the symptoms got worse--and he also got jaw pain on the left side. He went to an ENT specialist and they did a CAT scan of the sinuses--normal. The doctor ran every blood test in the book--all normal (no Lyme's disease, etc.). My son then went to a neurologist, who gave him something to abate the headaches; the pain is bearable during the day, but the symptoms persist. In the past two weeks, the neurologist ordered an MRI and they saw some inflammation of some nerves; she has no idea what is going on, and suggested he see a neurosurgeon. We do not think this is strictly neurological in nature, and we need a creative diagnostician to help get to the bottom of it ASAP. I wonder whether there could be any environmental factors involved (my son's house had a mold problem) or could this possibly be a strange disease he picked up during a summer 2009 trip to China? Can anyone suggest a great doctor or hospital in the Boston area to help us diagnose the problem so my son--always a healthy guy--can get rid of this and be healthy again? Thank you!

[Jo*mar]

Do the Drs know of the mold & the China trip?
There should be some tests for both.
Is the house mold cleaned up now?
it can take awhile for the symptoms to go away if it from that or it can cause lingering problems.

http://www.mold-removal-tips.com/symptom_article_1.html

http://healthandenergy.com/mold.htm

[Lise]

Thank you for replying. The doctors know about the mold, which has since been cleaned up (and has not affected his wife or kids) and the China trip...but they seem to see no connection. This is why I believe we need an excellent diagnostician. Can mold cause these kind of symptoms? How long does it take for them to go away after the problem is cleaned up?

[Darlene]

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Great to see you have come to be with us. You will find a great number of caring, supporting members here willing to help each other as they can.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene

[(Broken Wings)]

Welcome to NT

There's lots of friendly people here. I hope you find out what's wrong with your son.

Keep asking questions. I don't have any answers for you, but I'll say a little pray for you.

[NurseNancy]

welcome to NT.
you're very wise to questions these occurrences.
is your son seeing an internist?

you might ask around and network to find a good dr.
you might even try to google and see if you find anything.

i hope you get the answers you need. sorry i can't offer more.

[Abbie]

I came across this while looking for migraine headache information a while back... I know it doesn't really fit what you are researching but is from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center --- a Teaching Hospital of Harvard Medical School... maybe the doctor in the article can help your son find an answer...at least maybe able to point you in the right direction.

Here is the link...
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/beth...41/detail.html

I hope your son finds answers and relief soon...

Abbie

[Shelley]

Ask them to take a look at viruses. Viruses like herpes zoster and HSV1 can create nerve inflammation. And sometimes it can appear with or without a rash.

I contracted a viral illness that started with a severe headache and jaw pain and nerve pain.

Ask the docs to run a viral blood panel...including varicella zoster IGG and IGM, HSV1 IGG and IGM, EBV and HHV-6.

Ask the doc for a trial of valtrex or you can try l-lysine (over the counter) to see if it gives him any relief.

[azoyizes]

Hi Lise, and welcome to NT! We're so glad you found us!

This is a great place with lots of caring, friendly and helpful people.