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Neurology (Expert Forum)
left side facial parathesias
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left side facial parathesias
by momyhawk, Apr 02, 2004 12:00AM
In 8/00 I recieved a severe side to side whiplash causing moderate disc bulge at C6-7 and encroachment of the nerves on the left side. when therapy started to ease the pain I noticed left facial tingling and numbness, @ first mild and intermittant, then more constant and more severe, worse during traction, when driving lifting, bending. after cervical fusion,2/02 It became much more severe as I tried to resume normal activity. I have tried trileptal,lamictal both had bad reaction,neurontin caused too much sendation, zonegran didnt work after9 months.,saw 2 neuros 1 neurosurgeon who believes I have atypical TN, he thinks he can see a vessel pressing on my trigeminal. Trigeminal evoked potential showed greater than 50% deficit on the left side of my face. Im concerned about the possibility of having MVD with no improvement. also have you or anyone seen this type of problem following whiplash.I was totally healthy before the incident. I am 47 years old female.
Thank you
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Apr 05, 2004 12:00AM
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is believed to be secondary to injury or irritation to the peripheral trigeminal nerve. I can not explain based on anatomy how a whiplash injury of the neck could have caused TN. If you are concerned about possible surgery, then I would recommend a second opinion from another neurosurgeon before proceeding. Other medications to consider include baclofen, and tegretol. Perhaps a consult at a academic headache center to exclude other etiologies would also be reasonable. We have an excellent headache center if you are in the area. Good luck.
Member Comments (3)
by momyhawk, Apr 02, 2004 12:00AM
I have no real dx because I dont have the pain of TN or visible spasms, just the feeling that the novacain wont wear off to the crawling of ants from the corner of my eye to the center of my nose and chin to the jaw line.
by RTroub, Apr 07, 2004 12:00AM
I was diagnosed with TN in 1996 after a long bout of sinus infections and oral surgery. The pain on the rigt side of my face, was completely debilitating and severe. I suffered for months until, after a long string of anti-convulsive meds, I was given Neurontin. I know that you say that Neurontin caused too much sedation but it was the only thing that helped me. I took 16 400mg capsules daily for4 years and it really helped the pain and only had mild "lightning bolt pains occasionally. In 2000 I weaned off the Neurontin and have been in remission since. Although I still have faint pains resembling TN and the lightning bolt pains in my face, I can live with them compared to the blinding pain of full TN. Keep up hope. Research and find out as much info as possible, ask questions of your docs and try as many remedies as you feel reasonable. Maybe one will work for you. Good Luck and keep us posted if possible.