NONSTOP HICCUPS! An Endless Nightmare: Is There a CURE?!

Summary

Chris Sands, a 23-year-old musician, endured a three-year-long bout of hiccups that drastically altered his life. Despite trying numerous home remedies and medical interventions, including surgery for a hiatus hernia, the cause remained elusive. It wasn't until a Japanese TV show and a persistent neurologist identified a brain tumor that the mystery was solved. After a successful surgery to remove the benign tumor, Chris' hiccups ceased, and he embarked on a remarkable recovery, highlighting the importance of medical advocacy and perseverance.

Takeaways

• 😖 Chris Sands suffered from intractable hiccups for three years, which severely impacted his daily life.
• 🎶 Before the hiccups, Chris was a 23-year-old aspiring musician playing in a punk band.
• 🤔 Hiccups are caused by a contraction of the diaphragm followed by the closure of the vocal cords, often due to irritation of the phrenic nerve.
• 🔍 Persistent hiccups can be a symptom of serious conditions like brain tumors, and require medical investigation.
• 🏥 Chris underwent various treatments and tests, including blood work, CT scans, and psychological evaluations, but found no relief.
• 🕊️ Siobhan, a fifth-year medical resident, reached out to her local newspaper for help, sparking global interest in Chris's case.
• 🌐 The publicity led to Chris losing weight, trying unconventional remedies, and eventually traveling to Japan for further examination.
• 🏥 An MRI scan in Japan revealed a 1.2 cm tumor in Chris's brain stem, which was the underlying cause of his hiccups.
• ⚕️ After a risky surgery to remove the tumor, Chris woke up without hiccups but temporarily lost control of his arms.
• 🎼 Chris used music as part of his recovery, composing a new song every day for a year to improve his motor skills.
• 💪 Chris made a full recovery, though he still experiences occasional normal hiccups, and has become knowledgeable about curing them.

Q & A

What was the initial problem that Chris Sands faced?

Chris Sands initially faced a severe case of hiccups that lasted for three years straight, affecting his daily life and well-being.

What is a hiccup and what causes it?

A hiccup is a contraction of the diaphragm followed by closure of the vocal cords, causing the characteristic 'hic' sound. It is often caused by irritation of the phrenic nerve, which can be due to factors such as bloating, eating too quickly, spicy food, bubbly drinks, or heartburn.

What medical condition did Chris Sands have since childhood that could be related to his hiccups?

Chris Sands had gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as heartburn, since childhood, which could be related to his hiccups due to stomach acid coming back up into the esophagus.

What was the surprising opportunity that led Chris Sands halfway around the world?

The surprising opportunity was being contacted by a doctor of East Asian medicine from Japan who offered to help cure his hiccups, leading Chris to travel to Japan.

What was the diagnosis after Chris Sands had an MRI scan in Japan?

The MRI scan in Japan revealed a 1.2 centimeter tumor in Chris Sands' brain stem, specifically in the medulla oblongata, which was causing the persistent hiccups.

Why did the initial brain scans not detect the tumor that was causing Chris's hiccups?

The initial brain scans were CT scans, which do not provide the same level of resolution as MRIs, especially in the back of the brain where Chris's tumor was located.

What was the surgical procedure performed on Chris Sands to address the tumor?

Chris Sands underwent a surgery where the neurosurgeon aimed to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging his brain, which lasted for five hours.

What type of tumor was found in Chris Sands' brain, and what are its characteristics?

A pilocystic astrocytoma was found in Chris Sands' brain. It is a benign, non-cancerous tumor that grows slowly and does not spread to other parts of the body.

What challenges did Chris Sands face during his recovery after the surgery?

During his recovery, Chris Sands faced challenges such as a loss of control over his arms and the inability to walk, which took at least a year before he could start playing musical instruments again.

How did Chris Sands use music during his recovery process?

Chris Sands used music as a form of therapy, challenging himself to compose a new song every day for a year, which helped him improve his dexterity and fine motor skills.

What advice does Chris Sands have for people who experience persistent hiccups?

Chris Sands advises people with persistent hiccups to advocate for themselves and seek an MRI scan if the condition lasts long, as the cause could be in the stomach or the brain.