Anyone have Trigeminal Neuropathy, Vertigo and possible Perimenopausal?
In February I started having severe pain in my jaw. Thought I had a cavity or some other tooth issue, but dentist didn't find anything. I did have a small cavity filled in December 2010 because of pain, but I think this was actually the beginning of my Trigeminal pain. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Trigeminal Sensory Neuropathy in March after a brain MRI and MRI on my jaw looking for TMJ, MS, Tumor, Cancer, but the Neurologist said the MRIs were normal. He said my Trigeminal pain would go away in 3-4 months and there was nothing they could do for me.
At the beginning of May I developed Vertigo which I still have but not as severe as the first 8 weeks. My Dr just kept saying "you are not only complicated, but strange." I went back to see my Neurologist and he was clueless and suggested I see an ENT, which I just finally saw! The ENT says I have a damaged ear nerve that is causing my Vertigo.
I really feel these 2 thinks are related. I also think I may be perimenapausal...and have recently read an article online about how these may be linked.
I'm really interested in hearing from other woman that may be experiencing the same or similar symptoms.
Re: Anyone have Trigeminal Neuropathy, Vertigo and possible Perimenopausal?
Hello. I'm quirky perimenopausal for past 3 yrs. I've had cranial neuralgias for past 4 yrs. You've discovered what most of us neuralgia vets already know - diagnosis is hard because although neuro docs hear of it in their training, very few actually KNOW cranial neuralgias, even the 'common' one of trigeminal. Seems that when it doubt, the answer is 'TN'. If you are brushed off again, or see a 'deer in the headlight' look from your neuro, ask for a referral to a subspecialist so you insurance will cover it. Just be sure to not insult his ego. Those guys have earned one, but some are more delicate than others. Who are the subspecialists? Look up doctor janneta who pioneered the surgical intervention technique (he's now retired) and you'll find thread to follow for those that specialize in neuralgias. I have had many darts thrown at the diagnosis board and only by intensive research and refusal to be patronized did I finally get to see a subspecialist that knew off the bat that I had geniculate neuralgia AND trigeminal. Seems that women are inflicted more than men, usually in the 40s, and depending on the cause, our 'change' can make it worse. Why? Well, if the involved nerve(s) are irritated by compression by an artery anything affecting the artery and/or the compression will trigger it. That is by no means the sole reason, but a common one. Some causes are just plain 'unknown'. Mine happened to be head trauma. There are a few support groups out there, facial pain association being one, where you can learn about it from 'vets' and their experiences. Hope this helped and that you know you aren't alone - we aren't the only middlle aged woman inflicted w/ this. my first sign 'happened' (not cause it) at the dentist, too. the dentist was good, and was amazed at the amount of pain that couldn't be controlled. Not too long after, TN became full blown along w/ GN but the 'warnings' had been there awhile. tinnitus and vertigo are in the mixture, too, depending on just where the 'shortcircuit' is. Hope this helps.
The Following User Says Thank You to YesSirMam For This Useful Post: lakeshorestampe (01-02-2012)
Re: Anyone have Trigeminal Neuropathy, Vertigo and possible Perimenopausal?
Hi,
I read your post with interest as I am experiencing similar problems but started with vertigo. I have had those symptoms for over 12 months and had numerous tests including an MRI. This week I got what I thought was tooth ache and visited my dentist. She gave me a full dental examination but found no dental problems. She has suggested I have trigeminal neuralgia. Have you had any progress since your post in August 2011 ?
Re: Anyone have Trigeminal Neuropathy, Vertigo and possible Perimenopausal?
I have TNP (trigeminal Neuropathic pain-from trauma / failed reconstructive surgery), and I too get vertigo time to time. Odd though, I had several severe bouts of vertigo prior to the facial nerve pain got at its worse. I hope they are giving you the meds for vertigo, cannot think of name right now. Because TN or TNP is very hard to diagnose, as they cannot really see it on MRIs etc, it takes a long time to get diagnosed; usually they try anti seizure meds to see if one responds and if they do, then they 'conclude' they must have tn. Now there are several causes (mine is actual trauma so I know how and why it is happening), but there are procedures they can do if it is classic TN, as sometimes the nerve is getting squeezed and there are a couple procedures they can do to help those cases. Good luck to you.
The Following User Says Thank You to E11YearsOfPain For This Useful Post: cherts (03-23-2012)
