Head and neck conditions encompass a diverse range of disorders affecting the structures within this critical region of the body. These conditions may involve the brain, skull base, cranial nerves, and neck structures, leading to various symptoms. With Dr. Lekovic’s expertise, you receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized care to address various head and neck issues, ensuring the best possible outcomes. These are some of the common head and neck conditions treated by Dr. Lekovic.
Glomus Jugulare Tumor
A glomus jugulare tumor is a rare, slow-growing, non-cancerous tumor that arises from the glomus cells located near the jugular bulb in the skull. These tumors can cause various symptoms due to their location close to critical structures. Common symptoms include hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo (dizziness), and cranial nerve involvement. Timely diagnosis and careful evaluation are crucial to manage glomus jugulare tumors effectively and mitigate potential complications.
Possible Symptoms Of Glomus Jugulare Tumor:
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Vertigo (dizziness)
- Facial weakness or paralysis
- Swallowing difficulties
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Headache
- Sensation of fullness in the ear
- Enlarged neck veins
- Rarely, vision problems or double vision
Glomus Vagale Tumor
A glomus vagale tumor is a rare, benign growth that originates from the glomus cells of the vagus nerve. Typically located within the carotid sheath in the neck, these tumors can cause various symptoms due to their proximity to important structures. Common signs include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and the presence of a mass in the neck. Diagnosing glomus vagale tumors can be challenging, necessitating careful evaluation to differentiate them from other neck masses and determine the appropriate management approach.
Possible Symptoms Of Glomus Vagale Tumor:
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Neck mass or lump
- Sensation of fullness in the throat
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Enlarged neck lymph nodes
- Rarely, cough or shortness of breath
- Rarely, facial weakness or numbness
Cholesterol Granuloma
Cholesterol granuloma is a rare, non-cancerous mass that typically forms in the petrous apex, a bony region of the skull. It results from the accumulation of blood and cholesterol crystals due to repeated inflammation or blockage of drainage pathways. As the mass expands, it can exert pressure on surrounding structures, leading to symptoms such as hearing loss, ear fullness, and facial pain. Early diagnosis and evaluation are essential to address cholesterol granuloma and its potential impact on hearing and other cranial structures.
Possible Symptoms Of Cholesterol Granuloma:
- Hearing loss
- Ear fullness or pressure
- Facial pain or discomfort
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Drainage of fluid from the ear (rare)
- Gradual enlargement of the mass (in some cases)
- Headache (rare)
- Facial weakness or numbness (rare)
- Vision problems or double vision (rare)
Eagle Syndrome
Eagle Syndrome is a rare condition characterized by elongated styloid processes or calcified stylohyoid ligaments in the neck. These abnormal bony structures can cause throat and neck pain, radiating discomfort to the jaw or ear. In some cases, swallowing and speaking may be affected. The condition can be challenging to diagnose due to its uncommon nature and various possible symptoms. Early evaluation and careful examination are necessary to distinguish Eagle Syndrome from other neck-related issues and guide appropriate management.
Possible Symptoms Of Eagle Syndrome:
- Throat and neck pain
- Radiating pain to the jaw or ear
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Difficulty speaking
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
- Headache
- Earache
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Facial pain or discomfort
- Rarely, voice changes or hoarseness
Carotid Body Tumor
A carotid body tumor is a rare, non-cancerous growth originating from the carotid body, a small cluster of chemoreceptor cells near the carotid artery bifurcation. These tumors can cause various symptoms due to their location near critical structures. Common signs include a painless neck mass, difficulty swallowing, and a pulsatile feeling in the neck. Carotid body tumors are often slow-growing, and early evaluation is crucial to prevent complications. Dr. Gregory Lekovic has the experience and skill to successfully address a carotid body tumor in Los Angeles.
Possible Symptoms Of Carotid Body Tumor:
- Painless neck mass
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Feeling of pulsation in the neck
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Sensation of fullness in the throat
- Headache (rare)
- Dizziness or fainting (rare)
- Vision problems or double vision (rare)
- Facial weakness or numbness (rare)
- Difficulty breathing (rare)
Occipital Neuralgia (Occipital Headache)
Occipital neuralgia is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe, throbbing pain in the occipital region at the base of the skull. This type of headache is caused by irritation or inflammation of the occipital nerves, which run from the upper neck to the back of the head. The pain may radiate to the scalp and may be triggered by activities like neck movements or even light touch. Proper diagnosis is essential for differentiating occipital neuralgia from other headache types and initiating appropriate management.
Possible Symptoms Of Occipital Neuralgia:
- Severe, throbbing pain in the base of the skull
- Pain that radiates to the scalp
- Pain triggered by neck movements
- Pain worsened by light touch or pressure on the back of the head
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Scalp tenderness
- Pain behind the eyes
- Headache on one or both sides of the head
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Pain that may be intermittent or chronic
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia (Throat Pain)
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare neurological disorder characterized by recurring episodes of intense, stabbing pain in the throat, tonsils, or base of the tongue. The glossopharyngeal nerve, responsible for sensation in these areas, becomes irritated or compressed, leading to sudden and excruciating pain. The pain episodes can be triggered by simple activities such as swallowing, speaking, or coughing. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia can significantly impact a person’s ability to eat, drink, and talk comfortably.
Possible Symptoms Of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia:
- Intense, stabbing pain in the throat
- Pain in the tonsils or base of the tongue
- Sudden onset of pain episodes
- Pain triggered by swallowing, speaking, or coughing
- Electric shock-like sensations in the throat
- Pain that may radiate to the ear
- Throat discomfort and sensitivity
- Short duration of pain episodes (seconds to minutes)
- Pain-free intervals between episodes (remissions)
- Impaired ability to eat, drink, or talk comfortably
Hemifacial Spasms
Hemifacial spasms are involuntary muscle contractions or twitches that affect one side (hemifacial) of the face. These spasms typically start around the eye and may gradually spread to involve other facial muscles on the same side of the face. The contractions can be mild and barely noticeable or severe and disruptive, causing significant discomfort and affecting a person’s appearance.
The primary cause of hemifacial spasms is usually the compression or irritation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) by a blood vessel, often an artery, as it exits the brainstem. This pressure on the facial nerve disrupts its normal function, leading to spasms.
Learn More About Hemifacial Spasm
Other Head & Neck Conditions:
This list includes some of the other head and neck conditions treated by Dr. Lekovic. However, this is not an exhaustive list, as Dr. Lekovic also provides comprehensive care for various other head and neck conditions. If you have concerns about any of these conditions or others not mentioned here, feel free to reach out to Dr. Lekovic’s office for more information.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Pain)
- Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia (Throat Pain)
- Geniculate Neuralgia/ Otalgia (Ear Pain)
- Occipital Neuralgia (Occipital Headache)
- Tumors of the Itntratemporal and Pterygopalatine Fossae
- Parotid salivary gland
- Adeno and squamous cell carcinoma of the skull base
- Eagle Syndrome (Throat/Neck Pain)
- Hemifacial Spasm
- Disabling Positional Vertigo
- Meniere’s Disease
- Tumors of the orbit
- Facial nerve tumors and facial nerve palsy
- Jugular foramen tumors
- Tumors of the clivus and sphenoid and frontal sinuses
Auditory Brainstem Implantation (ABI)
Auditory Brainstem Implantation (ABI) is a surgical procedure for individuals with profound hearing loss who cannot benefit from cochlear implants. During ABI, an electrode array is placed directly on the brainstem, allowing electrical stimulation to bypass damaged auditory nerves and directly stimulate the brainstem’s auditory pathways. While ABI can help some patients regain limited hearing, it’s typically considered when other options have been exhausted. Rehabilitation and follow-up care are essential for optimizing outcomes in individuals who undergo this complex procedure.
Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder characterized by recurring vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. It is believed to result from excess fluid accumulation in the inner ear. Although there is no cure, treatments aim to manage symptoms and may include dietary changes, medication, or surgery in severe cases. Ménière’s disease can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, but with proper care, symptoms can be managed effectively.
Contact Us Today
Dr. Lekovic is here to provide expert care for all head and neck conditions. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms related to the head, neck, or cranial nerves, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. Early evaluation and specialized expertise can make a significant difference in managing these complex conditions and ensuring the best possible outcomes. Book an appointment with Dr. Lekovic to evaluate your options for any neck or head conditions, including a carotid body tumor in Los Angeles. Dr. Lekovic is a top board-certified neurosurgeon with extensive experience and can ensure that you get the precise help you need.