Hi ! My Husband Has Been Hospitalized And Treated For

Posted on Tue, 29 Jan 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 Answered on

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Question : Hi ! My husband has been hospitalized and treated for chronic hiccups off and on for about 4 years. He has been treated with thorazine, baclofen, gabapentine, and many other oral medications. Some work for awhile, others cause psychological " loopiness". He has type 2 diabetes, and is a kidney dialysis patient. His primary
care; nephrologists,and gastroenteritis have not been able to find the underlying cause. We are willing to travel anywhere to discuss a " "Phrenic nerve block " with someone but not sure where to go from here. We appreciate any help or recommendations from you.

Thanks Pat XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is a good plan

Detailed Answer:
Hi Patmason,

It sounds like a good plan. If it has not been done, I suggest he is scanned (CT and MRI) from head to stomach to assess any underlying disease. A phrenic nerve block seems reasonable to consider now, but adjustment of medicine with a combination treatment of two or more of the medicines you have tried may also help.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if you have further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj