I have lots of EAR PAIN and have questions related to Trigeminal Neuralgia. First, a little background:

I've had months of problems with one particular tooth (#31) as the result of questionable dental work. I recently had a tooth extraction and bone graft put in (same area). This caused, the following day, low grade fever, ear pain and very high blood pressure. With doctor approval, I had to 4x my blood pressure medication, plus add a second med, and that is now, for the most part, resulting in a high...relatively normal blood pressure reading (s). I also had lots of blood work and was determined to have Sjorgens Syndrome and no obvious infection. I also have a hx of lupus.

I went to an Oral Surgeon and he said that bone graft had to be removed...so even more dental work was needed...in the same area.

As far as I can tell, there were no complications during the removal. I removed the bone graft about a week ago. Since then, the ear pain is worsening. It feels like heavy duty pressure and boring in the center of my ear. I also have slight pain down my jaw...all on the side of this dental work.

I'm on antibiotics and a Medrol pack. I think today is the last day for my Medrol Pack.

The ear pain keeps on worsening....and now I get little relief from pain medications and no relief from OTC medications.

The Oral Surgeon said that eventually he will likely have to send me to a neurologist.

Do these symptoms (lots of ear pain and a little jaw pain) sound like TN to you? Does TN often come after dental work? ?Does anyone else here have TN that is primarily ear pain? Does anyone work with a neurologist from the treatment team out of Gainsville FL and can pm me about that? Any insight would be helpful. What can I expect from a neurologist (any neurologist?) I am in extreme pain and getting little relief from pain medication at this time.

Thank you.

I went to gainesville for tests tests tests like 5 or 6 times and then referred to pain doc in daytona who did my PNS. I will write you more when I am out of work later today. PEACE
BMW...Tina

Thank you.
I can easily get to Gainsville and/or Daytona.
PLEASE send me what you are able either/or/and... here or through a pm.
The pain is severe.
Experience is probably the best knowledge/advice and I am getting more and more limited on what I can do.

Thank you very much.

what type of pain med are you on?? you mention biotics and steroids . over the counter pain meds wont do much for t.n. or atypical t.n. . . etc . My neuro doc I had roberto martinez passed away a couple years ago from brain tumor . but I got most help from pain specialist anyhow. even now if i have any issues with my pns a neuro will not see me .
have you been to Gainesville /shands hosp?? it has been a heck of ALONG time since I have been to a neuro but when i went the neuro had me ink in the area on pic of a face/head where the pain was and on a scale of 1 to 10 ten being very high ... describe your pain ... when did it start ... questions like that and then the neuro will probably put you on a different type of med then what you have been on. sometime warm compress help . I wouldnt wait for this doc to eventually send you to a neuro I would go now . do you need some doc names or places in or near florida??? let me know I will gladly share . sending low pain and praying for a quick speedy way to the right doc and meds to help relieve the ugly pain you are living with. I will check back later tonight. If anyone else thats been to neuro more recent then 10 years ago ... can share what it was like their first time that would be much appreciated and helpful.
PEACE
BMW...Tina
p.s. let me know if you want docs and places in or near Fla. bbl

The pain worsened and worsened after repeated dental surgery. The last surgery was one week ago and that seem to be the final straw.
It is primarily in my ear, severe pressure...booring type feeling. Slight pain in jaw and behind the ear.
I have been on antibiotics,Medrol and recently valtrex, although I have no idea why. I have Percocet and Klonopin for pain. Was also given Soma for neck muscle pain. I have an appt to see a neuro in two weeks. He is a well known neuro in my area. The pain varies...sometimes a 10. Warm compresses sometimes help. I would love to get more names of docs and will pm you.
Thank you.

It was good to talk to you tonight. all of us are here and we will help you make it through the next couple weeks until your neuro apt. but in meantime... Call oral doc and other doc like we spoke about I will be praying you get in earlier due to cancellation or from genuine compassion of the doctor / neuro .
try the caspian cream , warm compression . and please post or email me anytime ... that is what I and we are here for.
sending strength, and low pain to you. I hope we talk again soon
PEACE
BMW..Tina

Hi Vowel Lady, I get ear pain all the time with this and my docs have told me its due to and part of TN. I always thought the ear had its own nerve. Anyway, the pain you describe is very similar to mine. I do get some really bad burning attacks that are pretty intense and those are similar to the classic lightning bolts I get. I would be interested to hear what the neuro tells you after you see him/her. Take care

My neuro told me it is likely nerve pain of some kind. He put me on a low dosage of Lyrica.

Another neuro was highly recommended to me; one that has more exp. withTN and related disorders. So, I'm waiting to see him...it'll be about ten days. Sigh.

It has be extraordinarily difficult.

The high blood pressure and ear pain part jumped out at me.

I just recently developed high blood pressure (in September 2012), and immediately after that I had my first T.N. shocking attack, which also attacked my ear.

A part of the high blood pressure symptoms I had was a ringing and discomfort in my ears.

I wonder if T.N. and high blood pressure go hand in hand in some cases?

I am now taking lisinopril to treat the high blood pressure, as well as not eating salty foods.

I've also been losing weight, mainly because I am afraid of eating, especially afraid chewing because it might cause a T.N. attack.

I take gabapentin for the T.N. It has helped. My T.N. are now less frequent, of shorter duration, and not as painful, but they do still occur.

I'm hoping after being on gabapentin for a few months, they will go away, but I doubt it. They will probably always be with me, but at least now they are manageable-- not so painful as they once were.

Another thing I am going to try is a magnesium supplement. I've heard it might help with spasms.

EEO3 and Nippers
Ear pain can be Geniculate Neuralgia, which I think are issues with nerves 7, 8 and the "nervous intermedius" which I believe is between the two. However, I have certainly seen many folks with ATN mention ear pain.

My cardiologist said that I went from a minor problem with high blood pressure to a major one due to the relentless severe pain.