Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.

Any procedure, surgery, medicine that would eliminate or greatly reduce the pain is requested. I have suffered from severe ear aches, ears popping (people can hear them), pressure, and draining. These symptoms are nearly constant. In the past I went to ENTs, chiropractor, and had acupunture done. None worked. A few years ago went to the Mayo clinic and they put a name to it, palatal myoclonus. However, I was told there is no cure and only a 20% chance medicine could reduce some of the pain. Sleep is very difficult, and happends for 4 to 5 hourse a night only if a muscle relaxer and a sleeping pill are taken.

Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.)

no

If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:

What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.)

Anybody that suffers from these spasams.

Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)

Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.)

Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.

Appropriateness for EHC Program

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

no

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

• Functional limitations and disability

AHRQ Priority Populations

None

Federal Health Care Program

None

Importance

Describe why this topic is important.

I'm not the only person who suffers from this. It would be beneficial for all people who suffer from these symptoms to have a resolution.

What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.)

To live painfree from the constant discomfort and pain in my ears.

Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.)

no

If yes, please explain:

I don't think so. A suggestion of meds was suggested but not hopeful, as only 20% chance it may help with some of the symptoms.

Potential Impact

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?

I could live my life without nearly constant pain and or discomfort. To live without pain and be able to sleep at night for 7 to 8 hours without meds would be wonderful.

Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.

I've already waited five years and the only progress made was that there is a name for the physical problems I've been experiencing. Unfortunately, there is not cure. So any help to resolve this would be greatly appreciated.

Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Nominator Information

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)

I could live my life without nearly constant pain and or discomfort. To live without pain and be able to sleep at night for 7 to 8 hours without meds would be wonderful.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?

Individual

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program

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