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Suggest Treatment For Facial Pain And Head Pain In An Elderly Person

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Posted on Thu, 28 Jan 2016
Question: Hi - I am a 50 yoa female. Last pm I started having left side cheek pain that radiated upward to the left temple and downward to near the jaw area (most of the pain was settled in the cheek area). Today the facial pain is gone with the exception of very slight tingling or possibly numbness on that side and a "shadow" periodicallyin left eyes peripheral vision . But I now have a pain in the back of my head on the left side. I feel minor headache like symptoms for the most part in that area all the time but also get sharp sudden pain going through that area and some tension pain near the base of my neck. The pain does not seem to get better with rest and has been staying moderate through the day. At times I feel an all over headache which includes back of the head, base of the neck, and forehead and eye area. I rarely get headaches but have had some of these symptoms (tension in the base of the neck, sharp pain in the back of my head and the shadowing) in the past but they have never been this severe or lasted this long.
I do have the following:
A herniated C7 disc in my neck
A tendency to clench my teeth at night and carry all stress in my shoulders
Wear hard lensed contacs which do get cloudy often
A paternal aunt who suffered an aneurysm (unfortunately I do not recall the type)
Paternal grandmother who died from complications of a stroke
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Needs mri brain

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message. I think I can help you.

The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of a possible cranial nerve neuralgia involving the 5th and the 7th nerve.

I will suggest that you test with a MRI BRAIN.

In the meantime, get a prescription for amitryptiline. At a later date prescription with carbamazepine may be taken after MRI.

Sorry for the delay. But the forum waits till a doctor who is confident about answering reads your query. So in a way it works in your favour.

I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (12 minutes later)
Thank you for your response. The sharp pain is periodic but can be very persistent and painful.

Wondering what does possible cranial nerve neuralgia actually mean and what kind of treatment is required

Also is this a serious issue and should be looked at right away or am I able to make an apt with my regular doctor Monday (today being Saturday) if the symptoms continue?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Discussed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Cranial nerves are nerves that supply the face.
Their irritation causes the pain.
That's called cranial nerve neuralgia.
The causes are many from simple infection to conditions like bleeds and mass lesions.
I have therefore suggested MRI to detect the cause.
I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Facial Pain And Head Pain In An Elderly Person

Brief Answer: Needs mri brain Detailed Answer: Hi, I am Dr Mittal. I have read your message. I think I can help you. The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of a possible cranial nerve neuralgia involving the 5th and the 7th nerve. I will suggest that you test with a MRI BRAIN. In the meantime, get a prescription for amitryptiline. At a later date prescription with carbamazepine may be taken after MRI. Sorry for the delay. But the forum waits till a doctor who is confident about answering reads your query. So in a way it works in your favour. I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.