atypical facial pain? - Inner Ear Disorders Message Board

quinnma · 05-21-2003, 11:13 AM

Hi,

One more question... When I first got sick with vertigo (March 9) I had a terrible sinus infection with horrible postnasal drip - all very painful. It was obviously an infection (told it was viral). The sinuses took a long time to get better. Now they are much better, but over the last week I have had a very raw pain, usually burning, some aching, in my sinuses. Also my ears still have occasional pain, and my ET's occasionally have ache or pain (around my temples). I no longer have much congestion. My CTscan a last week showed clear sinuses. My ENT is suggesting I have "atypical facial pain" from over-excited nerve endings and is referring me to a neurologist. Actually, the pain has been better the last couple of days. Anyone here have sinus pain along with their ear pain, but without signs of much congestion?

hbep · 05-21-2003, 04:44 PM

Hi Quinnma,

Go to the tempero mandibular joint disorder board and check out one of the posts on the first page about Sinusitus v. allergies vs. tmjd - how do you tell the difference? Pain in the face/temple area/sinuses (without infection) and ear pain are all tmjd symptoms. Sometimes an actual sinus infection will then trigger tmjd.

Your symptoms sound like classic tmjd symptoms - ENT's often aren't the best people to diagnose this - tmjd dental specialists and oral surgeons are.

quinnma · 05-21-2003, 06:30 PM

Hi Hbep,

Thanks, I will check this out. I am in the process of locating a new dentist (new dental insurance) and am inquiring about TMJ specialists. Actually, my ENT suggested I see my dentist after I mentioned the word TMJ. Based on your helpful response, I had better find a new dentist soon.

Thanks again.