....but after doing some reading online I am thinking I may have TN.

Three times this week I have had an attack of shooting pain that feels like short pulsations of electric shock in my jaw, under my ear. It very much feels like nerve pain.

The first time it came out of nowhere. I was feeling fine at the time. The next morning I woke up feeling like crap, headache, throbbing sinus pressure, nausea and generally feeling weak, tired, and kind of light headed.

The next two attacks came out of the blue again but I felt fine before and after.

I have TMJ and lots of sinus problems, allergies, frequent sinus infections, lots of mucus. My jaw feels tight 24/7 and I clench all the time which makes my ear feel full.

The only thing that I can think of that I did on the days of the attacks was that I had coffee, something I rarely have because I get jittery from the caffeine.

Also, a few days before the first attack I was having blocked ears from sinusitis so I added some nasal decongestant to my neti pot and did a maneuver which caused the solution to go into the eustachian tube. I did this for about five days, including the day of the first attack.

I'm glad I found this forum and would love to hear comments or suggestions on whether you think I may have TN and whether you think the caffeine or the decongestant in the neti pot trick may have contributed. Also, I'm wondering which doctor I should start with. Should I even bother going to my GP or should I just get a referral for a specialist, and if so, what kind of doctor?

Thank you!