Any Ideas?

[stinkypinky]

Hello.  I have been having pain and numbness in my face for several months now.  My scalp and left temple are also quite painful.  The pain is sometimes burning and other times electric shock like.  The numbness is in my lower lip and chin and feels like a shot of novicaine is wearing off.  My left temple is so painful that I can't lay on my left side.  My scalp is so painful that I sometimes can't bear to brush or comb it.  Please, does anyone have any idea what could be causing this?  

                                                                                                   Thank you for your input,
                                                                                                   Stinky Pinky

[Melissa072]

Ive had this too, several times, the last being 6-7 weeks constantly, non stop.
Can I ask how old you are, have you ever suffered with this pain before?

Melissa

[stinkypinky]

Hello.  I am 52 years old and I have had the scalp pain and tenderness for years.  The facial pain is relatively new by comparison.  Two days after posting that comment I was rushed to the hospital with uncontrollable and excruciating muscle spasms.  I was in Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Ma for five days and then sent to New England Rehab Hospital for eight days.  I just had an EMG and it showed extensive nerve damage in my pelvis and right leg.  I think that my whole body needs an EMG because the pain and tingling is widespread.  It (EMG) is the most painful diagnostic test I have ever had done but, I would endure it again to find out once and for all what the hell is happening to me.  Have you seen a doctor about your symptoms?  If so, what is the dx?        Bye for now.    Stinkypinky

[burby6867]

i have had facial numbness on the left side of my face since march. as you described it feels like novacaine wearing off. when it first started it was also accompanied by complete left sided weakness and slurred speech. i have since been having sharp shooting pains from the back of my head up the left side. i am also always rubbing at my eye thinking something is there. after many blood tests an emg, mri, and cat scan i had no diagnosis. recently i brought it up to my primary doctor he now believes i may have trigeminal neuralgia. i have been put on lyrica 50mg twice a day for 2 weeks to see if it helps my symptoms. apparently if i get relief than that is diagnosis. can i ask is your numbness seem to be worse in the morning? that seems to be the case for me. i still feel it during the day but it seems to be worse in the morning.

[stinkypinky]

Hi, how are you doing today?  The pain and numbness in my face gets worse as the day goes on.  It sounds like Trigeminal Neuralgia to me too.  I have been taking Neurontin for several months now and it doesn't seem to help.  I must say though, I have not been diagnosed with TN yet.  After my stay in the hospital I went to see my neurologist and he told me I am suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and that's what's causing my symptoms!!!  He didn't think I needed another appointment!  He did send me for an EMG however and when it showed extensive nerve damage I felt vindicated.  The doc who did the test said that I needed to see my neuro asap!  I am going to see him tomorrow and I am going to make him eat his words.  I'll listen to what he has to say but, I will also voice my concerns.  If he blows me off again I'm going straight to medical records to sign a release form and make an appt. to see a neuro in Boston.  I live only 25 miles from Boston and probably should have gone there first.  I've had it with local yokels who think it's "all in your head."  I hope the Lyrica is helping you and that you don't have a doc that blows you off.    Good Luck,    stinkypinky

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