Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Tingling Sensation And Pain In Back Of Ear When Diagnosed With Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Question: Hi. I have for the last 5 days developed symptoms consistent with Nummular headache. I saw my GP today and she prescribed medication for treating trigeminal neuralgia (carbemazopine). I see where it can interact with lipitor which I am currently on. If I have trigeminal neuralgia, I don't think it would go as posterior as my symptoms go on my head. My symptoms are tingling and occasional shooting pain on my left side in front of, behind and in back of my ear on my scalp. Please advise.
Brief Answer:
In both cases, brain MRI needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
In my opinion, in both cases ( nummular headache and Trigeminal neuralgia), a brain imaging study ( MRI) is warranted.
Nummular headache is related to pituitary lesions, Trigeminal neuralgia may have as cause a neurovascular conflict inside skull, both assessed by MRI.
Clinically, nummular headache is characterized by a coin-shaped painful area of the scalp, Trigeminal neuralgia occurs in a well-prescribed nerve branch distribution and is characterized by sharp, electric pain that lasts few seconds.
Interaction between lipitor and carbamazepine consists in lower concentrations of lipitor in blood.
To conclude my opinion, a brain MRI needed to evaluate by imaging both conditions. This issue should be discussed with your GP.
You can try carbamazepine for a couple of weeks also, as a diagnostic test (carbamazepine should improve symptoms only if they are related to Trigeminal neuralgia).
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Best regards.
In both cases, brain MRI needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
In my opinion, in both cases ( nummular headache and Trigeminal neuralgia), a brain imaging study ( MRI) is warranted.
Nummular headache is related to pituitary lesions, Trigeminal neuralgia may have as cause a neurovascular conflict inside skull, both assessed by MRI.
Clinically, nummular headache is characterized by a coin-shaped painful area of the scalp, Trigeminal neuralgia occurs in a well-prescribed nerve branch distribution and is characterized by sharp, electric pain that lasts few seconds.
Interaction between lipitor and carbamazepine consists in lower concentrations of lipitor in blood.
To conclude my opinion, a brain MRI needed to evaluate by imaging both conditions. This issue should be discussed with your GP.
You can try carbamazepine for a couple of weeks also, as a diagnostic test (carbamazepine should improve symptoms only if they are related to Trigeminal neuralgia).
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
