First let me say that I have no idea if I have TN--I doubt it in fact...but I have been having some weird pain things going on and you guys seem very knowledgeable, so I thought I'd ask your advice.
About a month ago I noticed that a spot on my scalp (about the size of a lemon) right at the left-crown area of my head, was very tender--as if I had sunburned this spot. It hurt to touch the hair...etc...
So... I thought, "weird, but no big deal" and ignored it, but then a week later, I started getting electric shock like pains. I can't even say where they started...but it felt like they ended in my left ear--deep in my ear. They were fast, lasting less than a second, but were bad enough to make me jump a little when they hit. I'd have a few, than nothing for some period of time, then a few more...or just one...then a break. So bizarre--but not really unbearable since they were gone so quickly but uncomfortable enough to really want them to stop.
After a couple days, I called and made an appt with a friend who is an ENT figuring that I'd see if there was something going on with my ear. (Meanwhile I did some research of symptoms and discovered TN--something I fervently hope this is NOT). So over the week and a half between when I made the appt and when the appt occurred, the pains gradually decreased in frequency and strength--to where it is essentially gone except for the occasional no big deal twinge. (The scalp tenderness remains however...sometimes it's more tender than others, but it's always sensitive).
Today was the appointment--and I went, figuring that even though my ear wasn't hurting now, it sure hurt before and it would be good to rule out some ear-thing.
So, the doctor found no problem with my ear and no TMJ problem. He said it sounded neurological and that a neurologist would be my next stop...
So, here's the deal: right now I'm fine. Except for the weird scalp thing (which is only a mild annoyance) I feel just fine. I think I'd feel like a goober going in to see a doctor about a little tender spot on my head. I could live like this just fine indefinitely...
My first inclination is to just wait and see if the shooting pain reoccurs and then make an appointment...but is there any reason that waiting would be a bad mistake? Honestly I have no idea if this is TN--you guys might read this and realize I totally don't have TN (which would be awesome btw). But, for whatever reason, I figured I'd ask those of you with the dx I most fear...what do you think--is waiting okay?
Thanks in advance...and I'd like to say hats off to all you brave folks. I lurked here a bit before joining and I'm not sure I've ever seen a kinder or more resilient group of people anywhere.
Mel.