My wife has been recently diagnosed by our primary care doctor with having TN... although her "shooting pains" go from her right ear back to the back of her head. Red seemed to think that maybe she has occipital (sp?) neuralgia.
My question is: Did any of you or do any of you have a "constant" headache with this? Did you have a headache when you first were diagnosed? She has had a "pressure" type headache that won't go away with OTC meds for the last 4+ days. She wakes up with it, and it stays constant for the entire day. We are waiting for our doctors office to call and set up the MRI... but I told her today that if the headache gets worse, just to go to the hospital and they (I would think) would give her the MRI at that time.
I feel awful for her, I couldn't imagine having to go through a headache for almost 5 days with no relief. Obviously this isn't a "normal" headache, if Tylenol or Ibuprofen aren't giving any sort of positive results. Any and all responses would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.
If the pain is dominant on one side, it may be that a younger neurologist may diagnose your wife with "hemicrania continua". One step that many doctors would consider is a short term prescription of an anti-migraine medication. While both migraines and common "pressure" headache are often comorbid with facial neuralgia, the two have different treatments. Thus a differential diagnosis is needed.
Regards. Red
Hi,
Sorry that your wife is going through this. I have bilateral ATN but I also get pain from above my eye, over my head, behind my ear and at the back of my head that is connected to a bulging disc and chronic neck problems. Just something to look into if you aren't getting answers. I threw my whole neck out of whack a few months ago and had to have extensive physio and acupuncture. Now I can see my triggers and what will start things deteriorating again. For me extended computer use with my job is the worst thing for these headaches and migraines I get. And the pain was constant for me. Every day. And neither of my DRs will admit to the connection at all.
I truly hope you get some answers and that your wife finds some relief.
Jane