Well that was discouraging - , but glad you added your two cents. I havn't found anyone else who said the pain started in their ear, and so sorry to hear that your pain has escalated to where it is now. Does anything help the pain?

Mine started about 7 or 8 years ago. It has not gotten much worse since I was diagnosed last spring, and I only take the tegretol when I have an attack. It takes a while to kick in, but eventually does stop hurting. Of course, when I get home I apply heat to that side of my face and it eases the pain more. I have hoped that my pain will not advance to the level that most of you on here are experiencing, but also keep in the back of my mind that it could happen. I currently work full time with a 100 mile daily commute (round trip) and don't want to start taking the meds on a daily basis until my attacks are more frequent. I work in hotel accounting and I understand from all the posts on here that the meds will effect your memory and I can not afford for that to happen as long as I can endure the sporadic attacks as they are now. Mine too are more frequent with sinus/allergy symptoms. Had to fight with my insurance to keep paying for my allergy meds.

Thanks for enlightening me - I will try not to let my guard down.

Ditto on Aunt Flo.