Sudden Stabbing Pain - TIA Symptom?

Hi, I am 59 years old male, suffered shingles in my right eye about 5 years ago, was diagnosed with Menieres Disease 2 years ago and have constant tinitus in my right ear, plus 50%+loss of hearing in that ear and last week had to visit A&E after suffering dizziness, tightness in my head, slurring of speech and a head ache. The doctor thought I may have had a TIA and prescribed asprin along with a full set of blood tests, a CT scan (which I will have on Friday) and a Doppler scan which has yet to be arranged.

However, today I had a severe sharp stabbing pain in my right eye, which made me physically jump when it came on. It only lasted a minute or so but did leave some discomfort and my eye watering. I then had a second one later in the day, although not quite a severe. The pain was in the right side of the right eye and didn't feel like it was to do with the front of the eye or eye lid.

Someone has mentioned that this could also be a symptom of a TIA. Any comments would be appreciated.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

The pain you describe is not typical of TIA. However it is typical of post Zoster neuralgia or cornea induced problems.If it persists see your ophthalmologist.

JCHMD

[carpetmanuk]

Thanks for your coments, I do appreciate it. However, would this pain still be due to post Zoster neuralgia (shingles as I would understand it) so long after the event? It was about 5 years since I suffered the attack. Or could it be a sign that the shingles is returning?

I have noticed that the shingles, Menieres, Tinitus and now this eye pain are all on the right side of my head and also wondered if this could be significant?

Thanks again for your attention.

Rick

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It would be unusual for zoster to flair up this late. However 4% of people that have zoster have reoccurencss. Let us know how the CT turns out and what you findout. Good luck
JCHMD

[carpetmanuk]

OK, thanks for that. I will let you know how I get on.

Cheers for now

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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