### instruction:
If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patient's description.

### input:
About 18 months ago I started feeling like my tongue had been burned. I am 57 years old and a female. I would notice little bumps all over my tongue mainly toward the middle and tip. Also once in a while I notice what looks like slits in a few areas. Sometimes the center looks like it has skin sticking up. The bumps re the same color as my tongue they don t appear white. I went to my dentist and he couldn t see anything. I can because I know what my tongue looks like but it does keep changing. Right now it is irritated. I cannot remember what brought it on. I do carry a lot of stress. Also, I sleep on the sofa a lot and feel my neck is out of place. One time my head was numb and Dr. thought I could be having a stroke so sent me for test. Someone suggested a chiropractor. And he did an adjustment and it went away. I read where this could be caused by nerve damage? Anyway I am scheduled to see an oral surgeon. Dentist did not think it was oral cancer but he is sending me for second opinion. What should I do? Where do I go for help with this. My diet is awful. I do have old fillings and I have seven screws in my jaw for jaw surgery. I am alergic to shellfish and I was diagnosed with thyroid when I was ten with a goiter . Not on meds I took myself off of synthroid when I was 18. Have had test and things are normal. I have a fear of dental work and the cost is too high so have not been to a dentist in 4 years cannot believe it. How time flies. I would appreciate you input of what to do. Thank you!!!

### output:

Hi, the symptoms you have stated many a time are caused by a peculiar but not uncommon problem called the geographic tongue. It is called so because the lesions as u have stated look like areas which keep shifting. It is also called burning tongue syn Chat Doctor.  There are a lot of theories as to its cause, in which stress and bad diet and spices are at the top, but there is no definite reason for it. Some medicines can also cause it, so please check if you have changed or are taking any new medicines. This problem has only palliative treatment such as:multi vitamin tablets avoid spicy food maintain good oral hygiene try to reduce stress, anxiety or depression and get proper sleep hours and eating habits if possible having more water and ice may reduce your discomfort Regards