TN or TMJ Sx???

I got a pain in my upper left jaw (between my ear and eye).  It wasn't a "shock" type of pain and it wasn't excruciating.  Felt like I got slugged in the jaw (not that hard) and hurt more when I opened/shut my jaw.  I was still able to open/shut my mouth without serious pain (and eat :-)   ), just uncomfortable.

Pain subsided in about 5 minutes, but is still subtle and is also on my right side as well.  Both sides of my face from the upper jaw to my temple and across my forehead "sting" a bit.  It's a dull pain ~ just like my sinus headaches, but now includes the sides down to my upper jaw.

So, could this be TN?  From what I've read, TN is VERY painful and this definitely wasn't.  

My left jaw pops and hurts when I chew on that side, and has for some time.  The ENT PA thought it may be TMJ, but I haven't really had it checked out   Usually I don't chew on the left side, but actually did a bit yesterday and today.

Never a dull moment!!!  Boy, I can't handle getting any new Sx when the ones I already have gotten are still here and unexplained!!!

[Quixotic1]

First sorry about the pain.  I am dealing with the exact same issue, debating the cause of face, jaw, tooth pain.

Trigeminal Neuralgia is typically lightening stabs of severe pain, considered to be among the worst pain one can suffer.  It's not called the Suicide Pain for nothing.  However, there a atypical cases, which are not uncommon, where the pain is fairly constant, dull and nagging.  TMJ can cause pain and facial muscle spasm on the whole side of the face.  TN would be generally less in the temple area.

Since you have TMJ dysfuction already, it may very well be that.  If it hurts more locally as you press on the joint in front of the ear and as you open you mouth.  It may well be TMJ.  Also, you have known arthritis and that joint is ripe for problems.  With all the stress and pain you're going through, you may be clenching at night and in times of tension.  When you clench your teeth is the big chewing muscle that gets hard more sore to pressure?

My vote is TMJ, but who can tell online?  Try an antiinflammatory and a cool pack.

Quix

[6-paq]

I'm sorry you're going through the face/jaw/tooth stuff too!   I sure hope you don't have TN, as it sounds absolutely painful!  I feel for everyone who has suffered, or is suffering, from it!

Yeah, I have always been a big-time teeth clencher, both day and night.  Sounds more like TMJ and I do have the popping jaw.  Just a new pain and, like most of us (and some of our docs), I question whether every little pain is "MS-related".

Hope you feel better soon and thanks!  Pat :)