Severe pain in left side of head/jaw/eye/ear for 3 months

Brain and nerves
1

Hello,

In August I began developing pain solely on the left side of my face- mostly my jaw, ear, and eye. It was primarily diagnosed as sinusitis- however a CT scan that proved untrue. The pain is constant (I have researched into Trigeminal Neuralgia however my doctor insists it is not that as occaisionally the pain will shift to the other side) I was put on Amitriptyline, however this had no effect- and have been taking Propranolol for a month, and if anything my pain is worsening. Last week I had an MRI scan, to have just been informed it came back 'normal' and so I am unsure what to do now as I am a nineteen year old at university, i've quit my job, and am strongly considering dropping out as the pain means I stay in bed every day. 

Any suggestions of my condition would be so greatly appreciated, as I really am this close to giving up.

2

Hi Kerensa,

If you havent tried sumatriptan, it may well work for you as it does for me.  Then ask for pregabalin.  This combo of abortive and preventative meds should help you a lot.

Let me know how you get on please

3

But to get a really good treatment plan, insist on seeing a neurologist that specialises in headaches.  I believe you wont need to stop your uni course and you will soon be back at work

4

Thank-you, i've written down both medications and will bring them up at my doctors appointment next week. I hadn't thought to see a neurologist, family members think I should have physiotherapy however as I had general migraines a a few years ago I tried physio and it didn't help at all. Acupuncture also was unsuccessful. 

5

actually same with me.  But seeing a specialist headache neuro is the best bet.  I see one in London and where as before I was admitted to hospital every time, now not had to go since Jan, so thats how good they can be.

Good luck Kerensa, hope all goes well for you.

I will be interested to know how you get on

6

Update: Doctor has taken me off Propranolol entirely, has prescribed me Carbamazepine- if it doesn't work i'm not sure what other medications are left for them to throw at me! I've been feeling strange recently, i'm absolutely drained of any energy even though I stay at home every day resting and sleep for 14 hours every day before I force myself to get up. I have a physio session booked in for a few weeks time just to eliminate neck tension as a cause.