Hi Everyone,

History: about 15 years ago, I started getting sharp "twinges" in my left outer ear (cartilage). Someone suggested I try Tylenol which worked and a couple of days later the pain was gone completely. Every couple of years, it would return, I would use Tylenol, it would go away after a few days. No big deal.

Last week, the pain was back. I took Extra Strength Tylenol which would deaden the pain for 3 to 3.5 hours and expected it to go away completely in a couple of days. It didn't. I was taking 4 Extra Strength Tylenol (2,000 mg) every four hours...it was the only way I could sleep...and this went on for seven days. The pain was unbearable....as I am sure you all know. I was concerned about the amount of Tylenol and wanted to go to the doctor but the pain was so non-specific I was afraid that I would be told that it was "all in my head". Finally, this morning, I couldn't take it anymore (it's been seven days with no relief other than the Tylenol). I went to a walk in clinic (I live in Toronto and trying to get in to see my GP takes days if not weeks). The doctor at the clinic was fantastic...she listened to my symptoms and could see my reactions to the pain when it hit (every 10 - 15 seconds and lasted one to five seconds). It took some time for her to research but she narrowed in on trigeminal neuralgia. She prescribed carbamazepine and told me to see the GP asap. I took two tablets when I got home this afternoon and the pain is still intense but is now happening once every 5 or 10 minutes rather than seconds. I feel a little drowsy and will not be driving for a few days just to be safe. I have an appointment with the GP next week so I hope to investigate the issue further.

In the meantime, I found this site and I am so grateful and hopeful. My pain is only in my outer ear and so far I have had to endure it for only one week. From what I have read here, many people have had this excruciating pain for years and over large areas of the face/head....I don't know how you have managed and I hope you have some (even if temporary) relief. I hope to learn patience and tips from all you veterans.

I wish you all a peaceful, sleep filled night.

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