A couple months ago, I was reading while lying on my right side, head pillowed on my shoulder—and I felt a sudden stab of pain, then a zing!, kind of like a lightning bolt, go through my right cheek.

Since then, I've had strange sensations, tingling and tightness extending from the right earlobe into my jaw, face, and sometimes neck on that side. Went to a neurologist, who was stumped, and sent me off with a prescription for physical therapy that I cannot afford. Brain MRI normal, neck MRI normal, B12 normal, everything was normal.

So, what's causing this, then? Did I pinch a nerve?

I am so glad you found Neruo talk. This is a great place to go to ask questions, and maybe get an idea or two. What you are experiencing is very difficult, because there is no diaganosis. If your pain is continuing, I would continue in the search for solutions. If it were me, I would get a full mouth xray of your mouth by a good dentist, just to make sure there is no infection in the bone in your jaw. That eliminates another possible cause. I would also seek a second opinion from another neuro doc. There are other tests that can be done besides an MRI. I don't think I would do physicial therapy unless I knew what was wrong to begin with. I would not want to make worse a situation that is not diagnosed. I sure hope others will chime in with some more suggestions. Pain is not something any of us want in our lives. I don't stop my quest for answers, until I find that solution, and know what it is that is hurting. I really wish you all the best. Keep coming back here and asking those questions. ginnie

I don't know as much about neuropathy as many of the people here so keep that in mind.

Does your jaw pop or crunch when you move it? There is a disorder called TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder, my dentist always tell me I have it but I don't have many symptoms. If you google it you might find some information.
Zygo

Have you ever heard of Trigeminal Neuralgia? It's where you feel burning, stabbing, or electrical-like pains on one side of your face. Usually the pain locations are your cheekbones, behind and around your eyes, jaw, ear, temple, forehead, or the back of your head. You don't have to feel pain in all of those locations, but if you feel pain in a few you might have TN. My mom has had Trigeminal Neuralgia since she was 16, and I am starting to develop it myself - I am fifteen.

A brain MRI won't show Trigeminal Neuralgia (from what I heard). It's a nerve in your head that is brushing up against something, causing lightning like pains. The only cure is surgery (which is sometimes unsuccessful - my mom had an unsuccessful surgery) or medications. Usually you will be prescribed pain medications and anti-seizure medications. It is a life-long syndrome which can be developed at any age. Sometimes it can disappear for years, or months, but it usually comes back every now and then. Episodes of pain can be quite intense.

Talk to your neurologist if you think you might have TN. Since I am developing it myself, I am in the process of seeing a neurologist. If you want to read my story/symptoms about it, click on the Trigeminal Neuralgia forum which is lower on the page. It is titled 'Questions - I might have TN or ATN?' If it sounds like you, then it might be a possibility you have TN.

I will keep you in my prayers and wish you good luck.
Jesse