In 1981 I had a sub mucous resection for a deviated septum. About 3 weeks after the surgery, I began experiencing dizzy spells. I felt electrical shocks emanating from the bridge of my nose.
The sensation is not unlike banging your "funny bone" except I get very dizzy when the episode occurs. I have seen various doctors since and even had an episode in a neurologist's office. He said I was exhibiting all of the symptoms of a stroke.
I've had about 5 CAT scans and about 5 MRI which show nothing. Drs. K. B. and C. L. (NY Eye and Ear) came up with various guess. Dr. C. L. did find my mastoid was infected and performed a mastoidectomy in January 1995. Dr. B. said I had otospongeosis and put me on Florical (calcium flouride).
I appreciate all their efforts, but I still suffer the symptoms, originating at the bridge of my nose. It some times can be triggered if I try to scrape peanut butter off the roof of my mouth with my tongue.
I suspect some nerve was damaged during the original surgery. Some have suggested: sphenopalintine ganglion, maxillary branch of the trigeminal, etc.
Any incite you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Reply -----------------------
This is a difficult and unusual problem. I suspect it is possible that there has been some type of injury or disorder of a nerve supplying the septum such as a neuroma or a non-specific neuralgia. However, it appears that there is no objective test that has identified the problem. Unfortunately I am not able to come up with any ideas that have not likely already been addressed by the other specialists you have seen.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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