face pain

[Patti]

I am 5 1/2 years post-op for a 4cm AN.  I have always had weird sensations on the numbside of my face, scalp and face.  The night before last I was awoken a few times by jolts of pain in my face.  Then I had a mostly constant level of burning pain for the rest of the day.  Today there are les severe pains.  Does any one have any ideas about this?  Could it be re-growth that was not visible on my last mri (sept 05) because it can't be seen because of scar tissue?  I am a little scared.  Patti

[Raydean]

Patti,

It'd be hard to guess what's going on, but rather then worry and guessing, it'd probably be best to contact your doctor for his opinion.  Please let us know what you find out and know that we'll keep you in our thoughts.

best to you
Raydean

[Patti]

Actually, I did tell my neurologist and she thought it was odd so she is going to send me for an MRI.  I know scar tissue can block the sight of tunors on MRIs.  I read PET scans can tell the difference between tumors and scar tissue.  Anyone have any experience with PET scans?  Patti

[russ]

 Hello

   I'm not sure where you had surgery but you have just described Trigeminal Neuraligia pretty well. The TN nerve can be affected with a large AN and a good Dr should know this.
   I would ask directly about that particular nerve and maybe even see a neurologist if your complaint is brushed off with an, "I don't know".
   Best wishes to you!

   Russ

[matti]

Hi Patti,

I am 8 years post op and have been dealing with some of the same symptoms since last November.  I had an MRI in Feb. and there was no re-growth. I do have scar tissue there, but there is no change from last MRI's.  First diagnosis I received was Shingles, so I was put on an anti-viral for 2 weeks, still had problems. My doctors now feel that it is either my facial nerve misfiring or trigeminal neuralgia. I was prescribed Neurontin, but being the stubborn patient that I am  , still have not taken it. I have seen several neurologist for this problem and no one seems very alarmed.

Sometimes I get the burning feeling on my left arm (AN side) in two spots. I also feel like I have a 5lb weight on that side of my head, but that has gotten much better. Mine started off with pain in the cheek, tingling and then the burning sensation. My face/ear/head on the AN side all feel this way. These symptoms also get worse when I am stressed. Weird

Cheryl

[Patti]

Well-I guess I am under unusual amounts of stress this week (daughter's prom, graduation party, huge student loan, my 2 girls getting in a car accident-a deer!  scary but they are fine-car is totalled, subsequent insurance stuff).  I see my neurosurgeon in July and will get more information from him.  My local neurologist (who is a close friend) is going to talk with the radiologist from last sept MRI about the scar tissue and send me for another one so i have a recent one for my July appointment.  So medically we will look into it.  It is comforting to know that stress can cause these problems.  Patti