I am new to this forum, but I wanted some some input and guidance. Before I share, thank you for your time.

I am a 21 y.o female.

I have always had typical TN symptoms - electrical shocks limited at the base of the nerve. I also have a condition known as dwayne's syndrome - an eye condition which I was born with and had surgery at 18 months. I have had TN since the age of 3 and have often attributed it to either the surgery or similar birth defect. I also have severe migraines, though not too often, which make use of my affected eye impossible - just from the pain and pressure behind the eye. The pain at the base of my skull is also fairly debilitating. These migraines have never occurred at the same time as an TN attack - mostly because both are fairly rare in recent years.

To be more specific with my TN, I have never been officially diagnosed. At the age of 15 I had electrical shocks in my face upwards of two dozen times a day - lasting anywhere from 2 seconds to 5 minutes. I went to a pedi neurologist who claimed I had tmjd, and a tmj specialist who ruled out jaw issues completely. I was told diagnosis was unnecessary and would only create problems with getting insurance in the future. My MRI showed nothing. I took neurotin, tegretol and trileptal during this year, with little effect. I eventually gave up with meds, and I went into remission. I still have small shocks weekly, severe shocks monthly, and huge attacks once or twice a year. For example I electrical shocks in my tooth for 6 hours. Probably my worse attack - by the time I could get into a dentist the pain had subsided, and no problems could be found with the tooth.

Now for the new symptoms, that I cannot explain.

A crushing pain on the right side of my face
Ear aches that last for ten minutes and disappear
Pin prick pains on my nose
Dull ache at the base of my skull, particularly on right side

The past 6 month my typical TN has also become more frequent. I began to notice that college all nighters seemed to increase the sensitivity of the nerve. Usually increased frequency comes with decreased severity. Now I get pains half a dozen times a day on average. On extra sensitive days, I get pains repeatedly, particularly when swallowing. More intense shocks are still about once a week, and there are no forewarning, such as face sensitivity. I expressed this concern with my PCP a couple months ago, and she immediately said I should simply take glucosamine for my jaw, and it was the end of the conversation.

The crushing pain is one of the worst pains I have experienced - aside from my tooth experience. It has only happened 6 or so times in the past month but its just awful, completely unrelenting. I'm nervous that its related to my jaw. I dont feel like my bite is off, but the moment the pain starts, I can't bite down properly. I try to lay down, but the pain is too severe for either side of my face to touch the pillow. I switch sides, but i feel as though there is pressure on my jaw, pushing it out of place.

I have been putting off seeing a neuro for my TN, because of I attend college out of town, and now I feel that if I see a new neuro I am going to be diagnosed with TMJD and my other problems will be ignored. I also feel as though doctors will not take me seriously because of my age.

I was tossed around so many times with doctors before, I just don't have the time or energy to do it again...let alone the cash I'll now need for new much much larger co-pays. If it helps, I am from San Antonio, TX - doctor referrals would be much appreciated.

HELP! Please, I am at my wits end.