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.

The Buzz

Hey Buzz, glad you found us. When I first came here it seemed like there was no one with the ear pain like mine, but lately there have been more similar descriptions. I was diagnosed with inner ear trouble for years before I finally had enough and went to an ENT - did mri of my head and found nothing so then sent to Neuro - process of elimination resulted in the TN diagnosis. I went to 3 different doctors to hopefully get a different diagnosis, but they all agreed. There is a more specific sub-disorder that relates to our ear pain, Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia I think is the term.

My pain is sporadic and very intense when I have an episode. Usually once a month or so and lasts 4 - 8 hours. Outside of right ear and immediately surrounding area is very painful to the touch and if I move my head at all or my mouth it is excrutiating. And along with it I get the deep ice pick stabs intermittently inside the ear. The drug you are taking has helped me cut down on the frequency of the attacks - I started out taking the chewable tabs whenever I had an attack, but a year ago switched to the time release capsules and taken every day it has helped a lot. Have you tried applying heat to your ear? That helps relieve my pain more than anything when I have an attack. Some folks say it makes it worse, but works for me.

Good luck, will see you around.

Rhonda

Hi T Buzz welcome we are glad you found us here . I wanted to give you a link to the TNA site in Canada--- http://www.tnac.org/
you may have already found the link in the useful websites stickie at the top of the forum but if not that is the link.
Yes it is a good idea not to drive until you are adjusted to a medication .It is good that the medication is helping. I guess your doctor will probably slowly bring up the dose until it is the most beneficial in reducing the pain.
putting heat on the area is a very good idea it helps warm and clam down the nerve . I use heat for my face. also cover up your ears and side of face when you are outside.I assume since you are in the great white north that is a given even without t.n. or face pain.
let us know how your apointment with your gp ends up . I agree with basset and think it is Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia but in my opinion the pain is the same it is just in a different area / location of head. the treatments and options are basically the same. so please read the threads and also lots of info with the stickies at the top of the forum too. welcome get comfy and if you have questions or need any help we are here and will try the best we can.

PEACE
BMW...Tina