Numbness?

[Majerrs]

Hi, I have had trigminal neuralgia on the right side if my face for 5 years and I am medicated with tegretol which generally controlled it.
My left side began to hurt but a very different pain more of an ache and my jaw clicks. My dentist referred my to a specialist who said it was TMJ. I have a bite guard etc and have had some teeth re shaped. Recently my bottom lip on my left side is numb, no pain just numb. Is this the TN, the TMJ or something else? (Need a new face!!)

[Lerbea]

There is one nerve branches around the ear area which is also the TMJ areas. This nerve runs down thru  the lower jaw or mandible. A good reputable TMJ/Oral surgeon can property diagnose it. If you live near a good teaching hospital go there. You can find diagrams of the mandible that will show you that primarily one nerve serves that lower jaw bone (mandible). Sometimes Sinus problems can give refered numbness and /or referred/pains. I can't diagnose problems so this is my suggestion.

[Majerrs]

Thanks, it's not a pain just a numbness, my jaw clicks a lot maybe it's a nerve that is trapping.  I can usually manage TMJ pain with ibroprofen, but there are periods where I live on them.

[scottma]

Numbness of lower left lip is not a common manifestation of trigeminal neuralgia or tmj issue. If your tmj specialist does not know how to diagnose and manage, you may need it see an Orofacial pain specialist.