I would like to introduce myself and ask a few questions I have regarding my issue, I trust that some of you are able to assist me so I can come out of the darkness as it is taking a toll on me.
For several years now I’ve been having upper back / shoulder / neck issues mostly on the left side of my body that became chronic due to bad computer posture. About four months ago I developed some discomfort on the left side of my face.
The sensation I have on the less side of my face is not like that of neuralgia (stabbing, shocking, electric paroxysms) but rather a mild constant dull burning feeling (on the pain scale I’d say a 2.5 at its worse)
Worried I visited the doctor who ordered an MRI fiesta of the brain and trigeminal nerve, and a CT scan of my sinus and the findings were as follows:
- The MRI is completely clear, the trigeminal nerve was found to be free from any blockage of veins or any tumor.
- The CT scan found a chronic maxillary sinus issue on the left side, this is due to my septum and not to any infections of any sort. (I’ve had this for over 30 years and never had a problem)
- Blood test revealed no inflammation, no lack of vitamin or any issue.
- No MS, tumors or any problem of the sort, my brain is completely fine.
Basically any neurological issue was completely ruled out!
The ENT told me that my sinus issue is structural and might not be the cause of the discomfort I have.
I was then referred to a neurologist and he told me the sensation I have follows the pattern of the second trigeminal branch, so he checked me with cotton, some needle and my sensation there is absolutely normal. In fact I can touch my face, go out, be exposed to wind and I am still fine.
He checked me for trigger points and I have none.
He suggested that I visit a stomatologist who specializes on TMJ or bruxism to see if this might be the issue. (I am waiting for the appointment)
MY SYMPTOMS ARE:
- Sometimes I have a very mild burning, almost chilly like sensation on my eyelid towards the side of the nose. (wouldn’t that be the 1st branch not the second?)
- My nose hurts a bit, and if I press around it I can find the spot that is tense, tight. It’s right on the area where the bone ends and the rest of the nose is basically just flesh. (However if I press it doesn’t elicit any horrible pain, just tense or inflamed sensation that goes away as soon as I stop pressing it)
- My upper lip gets tense, also the center of my lip right under the two nostrils, it feels swollen or tight, it’s a weird but not painful feeling.
- The two frontal upper teeth feel tight, as if someone was pushing them together.
- I have several painful sore areas around the area where the ear meets the cheek. That would be my jaw or mandible I guess, but it’s sore and muscular in nature.
MY QUESTIONS ARE:
- If I don’t have any stabbing electric shock pain, never had. Does that rule out TN1? I guess my symptoms point out towards ATN.
- Can you have ATN without any stabbing pain? from what I read on some sites, ATN is a constant burning pain, PLUS the stabbing shock of TN.
- Looking at anatomy images, my pain corresponds with the infraorbital nerve rather than with the trigeminal nerve. (in that case, would the sinus be the culprit?) from what I can see, the infraorbital nerve comes out of the skull right under the maxillary sinus and in fact if you look at the ends of the maxillary sinus on an image that is where I have mild burning and discomfort.
- Is there a connection between the neck and trigeminal neuralgia?
- The achy throbbing feeling on my jaw resembles the muscles. Can Bruxism cause all this?
Thank you for your kind responses, I really appreciate it in this time of need.
Sincerely,
Allie.