Ear Infection or Trigeminal Neuralgia

[risnerrose]

Is there a way to distinguish between an ear infection and/or nerve pain?  I'm having intermittent ear pain and pain in front of the ear.  The pain is so sharp it can stop me in my tracks.  I'm so tired of doctors, and I prefer not to go if I'm dealing with something neurological.

Sherry

[Mike_Shuswap]

I had the same problem about a year ago.

I was possitive i had an ear infection, I have had them before, but my GP found nothing.

I increased my Gabapentin by 300mg per day and haven't had the ear pain since.

Like everyone else said, you have to go to the doctor. For me there's no way to tell if it's TN or an infection.

Good luck

Mike

[sllowe]

Hi Rose,

You do have to go you know :( to make sure it's not an infection.
(infection can contribute to relapses, yadayada and you know the drill, lol)

Sorry,
-Shell

[drsdonthelp]

Hi Sherry,

I had this same type of question a couple of months ago. I had such a deep ear pain and it would come and go over a time period of 2 weeks. I finally went to see my GP, and lo and behold, no ear infection. I still do not know if it could have been TN, I am not dx'd with ms, still in limbo, however, I have had the stabbing pain in the side of my left face that would last for a quick 5 seconds, but it was my right ear that was the problem.

Stay well,
Pam

[addicted2harleys]

I forgot to say that if it does happen to be neuro related, you could be in the beginning stages of a flare and that should be noted and possibly treated by your doctor, as well.

Hugs,
Addi

[addicted2harleys]

Sherry-

While I certainly can understand and relate to being tired of doctors, please do not get in the habit of ignoring your body's warning signs.  This could be a critical decision, maybe not with your ear but with other symptoms that you may attribute to neuro related when it fact it is not.  :/

I don't have the answer for determining ear infection verses neuro symptom.   But I would advise getting it checked out if it lasts more than a couple days.  Untreated ear infection have been known to lead to blown ear drums.

Either way, I hope you find some relief soon.

Just my opinion,
Addi