Facial pain

[Lovebendicks]

i have been having extreme facial pain across my cheek bones which is occasionally made worse whenever I eat or drink anything hot or cold. It also feels like a permanent pressure that is going to push all my teeth out. I also feel very tired when I it gets me really badly.

It's really getting me down. I've been having this since about Christmas time & been referred to a neurologist who says I have to have an MRI because the symptoms are unusual. The pain also seems to be getting worse & is there continuously.

Just want to know if anyone else has had anything like this & what was done.

[Lovebendicks]

Bump please anyone

[southeastastra]

could it be your sinuses?

[statueofliberty]

I had terrible sinus trouble for approx 3 years. Op in the end,helped a lot but not a miracle cure as still get bouts of it. Lots of steam and nasal drops may help.mine was never effected by hot/cold thou.I'm not sure if yours could be similar condition.sorry can't be more help.feel for you as the pain is horrendous,rather have a baby!!

[Lovebendicks]

I did ask if it could be my sinuses I'm hoping it something definite as pain is unbearable at times. Won't be seeing neurologist until July though as he is away so still got to put up with pain after MRi.

[statueofliberty]

MRI scan worth it because it shows everything and will defo give diagnosis. I had a fantastic GP who tried anti-b's and pain killers sprays etc. Just keep badgering GP for help. Roll on July. Doesn't help but I do know the pain and how distressing it can.

[Lovebendicks]

Thank you statue it's now getting to the point where I am unable to eat or drink because of the pain. Has anyone else had this? Only good thing is that I am overweight so at least can afford to lose weight!

[MedusaIsHavingABadHairDay]

Has anyone mentioned Trigeminal Neuralgia? One unpleasant (Understatement!) but treatable cause of extreme facial pain. Usually one sided but can be both
www.tna.org.uk/pages/condition.html

I had it.. initially blamed my teeth..had two taken out needlessly before the docs realised what it was. I thought I was going to die of pain..:( Mine was more a constant severe pain with the odd stab. I took every painkiller possible but they didn't work.. however once put on nerve pain tablets I recovered rapidly:) (Gabapentin worked for me, usual first line is Tegretol but that made me sick)

I have remained on a (now low) dose of Gabapentin and am fine tho get the odd warning shock in cold/windy weather.

Might be worth asking your doctor about...

(ps hope your pain goes soon!!)

[sprinkles77]

things to consider: sinusitis, facial migraine, atypical facial pain, TMPDS (temporo- mandibular pain - dysfunction syndrome.

[Lovebendicks]

Thank you to all that have replied I will check them all out & go armed with info to neurologist- it would be great if the mumsnet diagnostic brigade have found what's ailing me. My GP didn't have a clue what could be wrong!

[OpusProSerenus]

I had something a while back, began as pressure on one side of face which progressed to pain. When I woke in the morning I was free from pain but it began within seconds or minutes of waking and like your pain was constant but with twinges sometimes exacerbated by hot and cold. I had it for about 5 months in total.

My GP tried antibiotics, painkillers, etc but suspected it was a dental problem. He also tried Tegretol in case of Trigeminal Neuralgis which made me sick but didn't touch pain. My dentist was useless and uncaring as he couldn't see anything obvious wrong and clearly didn't want the extra work of investigating.

Eventually I saw a maxillofacial specialist who suggested it was a TMJ issue causing pain from the muscles around the jaw. Like you I felt exhausted (I think pain drains you) and as I couldn't eat I felt even worse, although the weight loss would have been nice under other circumstances. Eventually it settled with a course of Nortriptyline, relaxation exercises, etc.

Try googling referred pain patterns from TMJ as certain muscles tend to cause pain in certain areas. That might help you narrow down if it could be muscle related

[tgisue]

I too have been diagnosed with tmj pain at my local dental hospital. My symptoms are ear pain, fascial pain and tingling in my face.

I have read about amitriptyline, and my gp prescribed 25mg for pain.

Sue

[Lovebendicks]

Thank you all I was diagnosed with tmj years ago but docs don't think this is whats causing this extra pain will keep my fingers crossed that whatever it us they can deal with it. I was given a mouthguard but it made me gag too much though if it helps I should probably try again.

[sprinkles77]

there a various different designs of mouthguards. what ever the design they should not cover the roof of your mouth. Many people find that one made for the lower teeth is more tolerable than one for the upper. There are some that only cover the front teeth which are more comfy, but they are not really recommended as can cause other problems. I recently went on a course on facial pain and the lecturer said that facial migraine is a poorly recognised but fairly common condition, which can be treated like normal migraine. If you do not have much luck with the neurologists, it would be worth seeing a maxillo - facial surgeon (don't worry, not all their cures involve surgery). If all else fails, consider acupuncture which has been shown to be effective in chronic pain.

[Lynnwo]

I have suffered from facial nerve pain for the past 16 years since bad dentistry (root treatment). I have felt suicidal at times. Initially through the maxilliofacial dept at hospital I got amitriptylene which worked wonders for a couple of years until I got gut rot and was then changed to a more up to date antidepressant which again worked for a while. I have now been through numerous meds and at the moment am on pregabalin which hasnt seemed to have had much effect so am getting a bit desparate now as I am beginning to wonder if the GP has run out of ideas.

I would love to hear from anyone else who has suffered this awful pain and how you have coped.