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Yes to the lockjaw. For the past 2 years or so. I can’t open my mouth very wide, when I try it really hurts my jaw and seems to be stuck at a certain point. That’s part of what makes eating and swallowing difficult. I also get a very stiff neck and have periods where I’ll have a really intense pain through my neck and jaw- kind of like a Charlie horse in my throat, it’s hard to describe.
Also yes to the floaters and stars., sometimes they are white and sometimes black. I’ve had that off and on for as long as I can remember.
Another strange thing that has been more recent is I have times where I have these weird vocal tics, and what’s odd is that I’ll have an hour or two with tons of vocal tics and jerking tremors, and then virtually known until the next " attack" which could be a few hours or a few days. This definitely is increasing.
Seams like symptoms of a migraine , lay down put a cold towl on your forehead! rEST!
I take maxalt. (Dr. Perscribed)
My latest problems are cramping in different parts of the body and a thumping sound in my ears,it started in the left ear but it happens in both now.
My latest are severe headaches (lasting 3 days or more & only lessening with ibuprofin, even after 16 or more in a 24 hour period), cramping & focusing!
I occasionally have numbness in any of the following: face, arms, lip area. Usually lasts a day or so.
Regularly have ringing in the ears however it is not constant, Usually lasts a few seconds to a few minutes.
Yes to sinus problems, floaters, tightness in upper back, neck and shoulder areas - usually leading to a headache, but I haven't related those to Ataxia. I think they are more stress and/or weather related. Rest and relaxation are usually the cure.
Hi:-)
I’ve had most of the disconcerting symptoms you mention, with the exception
of headaches (touch wood).
Mine seem to rotate in cycles too. The cause of my SCA is said to be Idiopathic.
The latest symptom to manifest is lower back pain.
If sitting still could cure everything, I should be fit as a fiddle by now:-) xB
PS. It probably would be helpful to see a Neurologist who specializes in Ataxia.
Much of what you describe are symptoms of Parkinsonism (not necessarily Parkinson's disease). I would strongly recommend to tell your Neurologist.
Norbert
The floaters in the eyes I have been told is due to ageing. So I don't worry about them.
I do have some of the other symptoms. Speech issues, difficulty on and off enunciating my words. Tremors and tics I hate. The inability to see -- it is not that I don't see but it is like looking through coke glass this is particularly bad in the mornings.
I find myself with the lockjaw symptoms. Around the holidays this was acute -- I brushed it off as being due to Ataxia and well it wasn't it was due to heart attacks. I also during this time experienced more stiff neck symptoms.
For me I dislike being uncoordinated with my hands. The inability with balance issues I seem to accept that this is what it is but the uncoordinated hand issue taking me longer to accept.
Searcher, My neurologist at Mayo let me no outright that he wanted me to know that he hasn't given up on me. The truth is that what can he do otherwise? Some symptoms of Ataxia can be addressed when that particular symptom becomes problematic. Unfortunately the sad truth is that Ataxia itself there is no known cure. Each persons Ataxia symptoms differ and follow patterns that others experience. Say someone who's swallowing problems become acute a feeding tube can help to keep one from starving to death.
I made the decision to cut the medical appointments down because there was simply nothing of value from having them.
I’m curious about this. A month or two ago I was having frequent chest pain along with severe jaw pain and the lockjaw. I wondered if it could have been heart related, but didn’t know you could have heart attacks that didn’t put you in the hospital. I have had various other symptoms/ signs of potential heart problems (positive rheumatoid factor, high sed rate, extremely high blood pressure when sitting up, too many red blood cells). So could you tell me how did you discover it was heart attacks you were having? Thanks!
pgillenw said:
The floaters in the eyes I have been told is due to ageing. So I don't worry about them.
I do have some of the other symptoms. Speech issues, difficulty on and off enunciating my words. Tremors and tics I hate. The inability to see -- it is not that I don't see but it is like looking through coke glass this is particularly bad in the mornings.
I find myself with the lockjaw symptoms. Around the holidays this was acute -- I brushed it off as being due to Ataxia and well it wasn't it was due to heart attacks. I also during this time experienced more stiff neck symptoms.
For me I dislike being uncoordinated with my hands. The inability with balance issues I seem to accept that this is what it is but the uncoordinated hand issue taking me longer to accept.
I did experience pain in the chest although not acute. The lockjaw was gradual and then became acute. I also experienced pain in every tooth in my mouth, like every tooth had a tooth ache. My tremors was also very bad and fingers would involuntary go crazy. I'm a woman and men and women experience different symptoms although some can be alike. Even among women or men the symptoms can vary for each gender. I had 3 heart attacks and it was not until the 3rd episode that I went to the emergency room. I was seen right away and taken to the OR right away; By the time I went it was said that I was close to a major, major event and could have damaged the heart drastically. The heart attacks were quite a surprise. Recovery has not been a problem. I understand that men more than women will experience depression afterwords.
Exorcise afterwords key to recovery. Not dwelling on useful. I do think that Ataxian's may not recognize the warning signs as quickly. If you think there are possible signs then do see a heart specialist. Keep aspirin around.
Good luck. But do see a heart specialist to be safe.
Hi Search,
Sorry you are having so many problems, but don't write them all off to Ataxia. I have floaters. They are due to aging. Try to have your symptoms checked out. Now I am not a doctor, but since you say your symptoms come and go (balance, vision, speech, etc. are affected and then they miraculously become normal), could you have Episodic Ataxia? There are a few Episodic Ataxias (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). I don't think of Episodic Ataxia as being progressive. All the best to you.