Hello,
I have been recently diagnosed with TN. It is just on the right side, in all three branches and more atypical than typical. I am now starting to have pain in the left ear, too, which is how the right-sided TN started. :0( My neuro sent me for a T3 MRI to rule out possible causes of TN, including MS and nerve tumors. The results came back with multiple lesions consistent with MS. This is how it reads: "There are numerous foci of increased T2 and flair signal intensity within the deep and periventricular white matter, the subcortical white matter, and to a lesser extent the brainstem and cerebellum. There are focal regions of signal alternation within the anterior pons and medulla without associated enhancement. Following contrast administration, none demonstrate enhancement." However, since I don't have the "typical" presenting symptoms of MS, my neuro is not calling it that at this time. He asked me a lot of questions regarding tingling, numbness, etc. I guess I was thinking more of extreme symptoms, so I didn't tell him about the burning and tingling sensations I get in my legs, feet, and hands. I always just assumed everyone experienced these.The only other thing that the neuro seemed interested in was a time this summer I had some conductive hearing loss when my ear was going crazy with pain. An ENT I saw at that time said I had TMJ (which was later ruled out). I am now keeping a log of these nuisance symptoms that I have dismissed in the past. I am wondering if anyone with MS had TN as one of their first symptoms. I know it's unusual but I guess that's how it happens for some. I also have a family history of MS (mother). Thanks so much.