Tongue Deviation Inquiry
A 26-year-old female residing in India, standing at 5 feet tall and weighing 60 kg, has been experiencing an unusual tongue deviation for over a month. Her medical history reveals no significant issues, and she is not currently on any treatments apart from a muscle relaxant. Last month, she endured a distressing episode of severe headache and neck discomfort that persisted for three to five days, accompanied by nocturnal chills. After approximately a week, while noticing a reduction in pain, she became aware that her tongue was leaning toward the left side, prompting her to seek medical evaluation. It has been two weeks since that consultation, and she reports gradual improvement in her tongue's position alongside a decrease in pain levels, although a stiffness persists on the left side of her neck. Her physician suspects that this might be attributed to cranial nerve palsy. However, she is intrigued about the potential underlying causes, especially since there were no reported accidents or injuries. Additionally, she has undergone a CT scan, but the results are still pending. She is seeking insights regarding what might be contributing to her symptoms.
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 12:50:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: The deviation of your tongue, along with your previous headache and neck pain, could suggest possible issues related to nerve function or muscle control. Understanding the potential causes can help in managing your symptoms effectively.
Explanation: A deviated tongue can occur for several reasons, often related to nerve function, as your physician suggested with cranial nerve palsy. This condition may arise from inflammation, compression, or other factors affecting the nerves that control tongue movement. Given your past severe headache and neck discomfort, it’s possible there was some involvement of the nerves due to muscle tension or another underlying issue. The gradual improvement in both your tongue position and pain levels suggests that you may be recovering from whatever initially caused the symptoms.
While the results from your CT scan are pending, they will provide crucial information to identify any structural causes behind your symptoms. It's understandable to be concerned about the possible implications of these symptoms, but rest assured that there are many treatable conditions that could underlie your experiences.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in the position of your tongue, neck stiffness, or new symptoms (such as speech changes or difficulty swallowing). Note these in a journal, as they can be very useful for your physician.
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Practice Gentle Neck Stretches: If approved by your physician, consider gentle neck stretches to ease stiffness. Always perform stretches slowly and avoid any that cause pain.
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Stay Informed: Discuss the upcoming CT scan results with your physician once available and follow-up about any suggested next steps. They may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation if necessary.
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Mental Health Consideration: Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help manage any stress related to your condition. Stress can sometimes exacerbate muscle tension.
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Connection with Healthcare Providers: Maintain open communication with your healthcare team, especially if you notice any worsening of your symptoms or if new symptoms arise.
If you have any more questions or need further support, feel free to reach out!
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We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.