Dr. thinks I have TN, but I don't.
 

Hi! I am new here, found this forum while searching for info about TN. My Dr. thinks I have TN and I think that's nonsense. My symptoms don't fit at all. So I thought I would post and maybe some who are experienced with this would give their opinion.

6 weeks ago, I began having an earache. At the time, I was in another state as my dad had passed away. So I ignored it until I returned home a week late. By that time, it was really hurting. So I got in to the Dr. that day. He looked at my ear, said it was red and bulging and put me on an antibiotic. That was a Friday, by Monday, I was feeling pressure and soreness in my head and my ear was hurting much worse.

I ended up having a CT scan and blood work. My blood work showed high inflammatory markers and white count. CT scan showed nothing. Dr. said no infection because not seen on CT scan. He consulted with some other Dr's and called me and said they believe I have TN. So I am currently waiting on a referral for a neurologist. I cut the story down, but I have been seen once or twice a week for the last 6 weeks and am still the same.

Symptoms I have had, constant ear pain, burning and sore and aching in the inner and outer ear, my ear just began itching also. Full feeling, soreness and pressure in my head, most of the time on the side that the ear hurts, sometimes all over. Pressure behind my eyes. Soreness in the bone behind my ear and itching there as well.

Thank you for any advice you can give.

Hello grannyto5, :)

I'm sorry I can't help you with your TN questions, but I just wanted to welcome you to the NeuroTalk Support Groups and to let you know about what we call the "Sticky" threads at the top of the main TN forum. They contain information and useful websites as well as other helpful information. There may be something in there of use until you get replies.

Take care.

I agree, it doesn't really sound like TN or even an atypical situation. Did you have recent dental work? Were you recently in some sort of an accident where you received a facial injury?

The only thing that sounds a little familiar is the ear pain. I have that and MANY with Trigeminal nerve pain have bad pain in their ear.

Consider getting a second, perhaps even a third opinion.

Wishing you well.

Thank you for your responses. I have been reading the information posted above.

As far as dental work, I had all my teeth removed 3 yrs ago and no injuries that I know of. The ear pain IS my main pain so I don't know, I keep going back and forth thinking maybe it could be. But it's no a stabbing pain or like an electrical shock like I see described, just a constant ache. Would t ever go away if it were TN? I have had a constant ear ache for 6 weeks now.

Your high white blood cell count points to an infection. And it started with a red, bulging eardrum. I'm just guessing here, but I think it sounds more like an ear problem than TN.

On the other hand, TN pain doesn't have to be zapping and jolting. It can be more of a constant achy feeling. Early on, I just knew I had a sinus infection because my cheek and teeth hurt all the time. I made two trips to an ENT before he convinced me that my sinuses were not my problem. He was very helpful and understanding. I also have occasional stabbing pain in my ear and throat.

A neurologist will be able to give you more information. While you're waiting to be seen, you might consider a visit to an ENT. I hope you get some answers soon. Let us know how it goes.
Cheryl

Hi grannyto5,

While you are not presenting for TN and have symptoms pointing to other possible causes with infection, it is worth seeing a Neuro to explore all aspects of Neuropathic Facial Pain. I suffer this constantly with Paresthesia and flare-ups of TN Attacks. The Neuro may find an underlying neurological reason for everything that is going on.

I am sorry that this constant pain has brought you to us, but we will all do as much as we can to support you.

Dave.