Re: atypical facial pain

Posted By JACKIE INZERILLO on December 01, 1997 at 10:04:05:

In Reply to: Re: atypical facial pain posted by nancy on September 28, 1997 at 23:21:54:








I've been suffering facial pain for 22 years.  Unfortunately, my was due to getting kicked by a horse and causing severe facial trauma (fractures, etc)
I've been suffering especially the last two years and, as with you, have been to a number of physicians (including the one who put my face back together).  They have not been helpful.  Even taking a codein based pain medication does not help much.  I've started taking Neurontin, which gives me about 6 hours relief at a time.  At least I can make it through my day within a tolerable pain threshold.  It has been suggested that I pursue the nerve blocks, but I am very hesitant to do so.  I really don't believe that this is the answer, but I'm beginning to see that there really isn't one.  The pain is so overwhelming at times, that I'm in tears and terribly depressed.  I've seen a psycho-therapist, but still no really good answer.  I have, as you have, woke in the mornings with pain and swelling around my left eye.  I've tried heat and ice, but to no avail.  The ice intolerable.  The heat is ok if I'm at home, but rather difficult to apply at work.  Don't feel alone in this, I definitely can empathize with what you're going through.

This information is provided for general medical educational purpose only.  Please consult your physician for the diagnostic and treatment options of your specific condition.






  


: : Hello, Nancy,
  This is to further elaborate certain points made with previous follow-up.  Most cases of trigeminal neuralgia is idiopathic implying that the causes are unclear. But symptomatic facial pain can be a manifestation of some other neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), aneurysm, or tumor. With a negative MRI, MS and tumor are less likely.  However, aneurysm may not show up on MRI.  MRA or angiogram in this case would be more sensitive. As far as the management, in addition to anticonvulsants, Baclofen has been used as an adjunct therapy.  Surgery with radio-frequency and vascular decompression are the last to consider.  
  Unfortunately, an extensive literature search for the association of facial swelling and pain did not offer satisfactory results
  This information is provided for general medical educational purpose only.  Please consult your physician for the diagnostic and treatment options of your specific condition.
              Thanks so much for your reply!!! Most doctors when they hear the word atypical drop you like a hot potatoe!! Or places never post a reply.
              Does your second reply mean that I should not look into the idea of vescular and rheumatology evaluation? I've seen 3 neurologist, 2 neuosurgeons and the surgery will not help atypical. I go to an anesthesiologist at a pain clinic for the steriod injections up my face. Was hoping for another avenue to pursue. And a name and someone else that might have what I have. I sometimes feel alone because I can't get a better name for it or find someone who has the SWELLING and the envolment of the muscle cramp in the face(15yrs.) This first started just above the teeth and has spred now all the way to the scalp over the yrs.
            Thanks again.
             Nancy