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TN After Head/Neck Injury?

I'm wondering if anyone thinks their TN or ATN came after a head or neck injury. I had a bad fall yesterday, my whole body weight landed on my neck and back of head, now my ATN is worse then ever, and I feel it on the opposite side too. Maybe pinched nerves in the neck? Can that cause ATN?

Thanks for any replies,
Sheila

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Permalink Reply by Coqi on February 6, 2012 at 2:01pm

Hi Sheila,

I was actually "officially" diagnosed with TN I and II today (yay) by my neurologist. While I have distinct TN symptoms (intense reaction to wind, temperature change and light touch), I also present these symptoms in areas lower on the trigeminal nerve - almost along the neck iteself. Also my reaction times to stimuli were a bit sluggish which puzzled her.

She quickly asked me about my cervical spine and if I had had an injury or pain in the area. She suggested the origin of my TN could possibly be C1 to C3 related. A bulging disc, dislocation or other trauma could be pinching a nerve and thus causing the pain. I do have other symptoms, however, which correspond with cervical injury such as "spiders" down my leg and cold feelings along my spine.

An MRA of the brain and MRI of the cervical spine are scheduled for next month. She suggested two whiplash injuries could be at fault and gradually catching up with me. I am only 34 and not technically old enough to have spondylosis from age alone.

Google "Cervical Face Pain." Should see an entry regarding your very question. I think the answer is a big "YES!"

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Permalink Reply by Sheila W. on February 6, 2012 at 2:16pm

Thanks so much Coqi!!I am so sorry for today's double diagnosis, bet you're somewhat in shock...but its good to now what you're dealing with. I just called my insurance and they don't cover chiropractors, so I guess I'm off to the E.R. to get an x-ray cuz I also don't remember anything that happened yesterday after my fall. Not a good sign.

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Permalink Reply by Richard A. "Red" Lawhern on February 6, 2012 at 2:26pm

Sheila, I've been told by no less an authority than Peter Janetta that neurosurgeons see a lot of TN patients whose pain began after a whiplash injury in an automobile accident. Pinched nerves "in the neck" could account for pain in the rear quadrant of the head due to direct injury to the occipital nerve. But the physiological links to the face itself more probably are probably less direct, involving extension and sharp pulling of the trigeminal nerve by the mechanical force of impact.

Sorry for your pain, Hon...,

Red

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Permalink Reply by elstep on February 6, 2012 at 2:28pm

Sheila, just sending you my best wishes that all is ok after your fall xxx

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Permalink Reply by Sheila W. on February 6, 2012 at 2:31pm

Ohhh, thanks Red, that does make sense.

Thanks Elstep, much appreciated

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Permalink Reply by kimburlee on February 6, 2012 at 4:43pm

Hi Sheila, I am wondering the same thing. I noticed that I was having some discomfort in my neck just before my 1st episode. I know this sounds weird but I can hear and feel something in my maxillary area when I move my neck. I do not have any severe pain, (i don't think) maybe due to meds. My neck feels weak at times. I had x-ray which encouraged an Mri on my neck and now my GP has reffered me to a Neurosergeon. I am very curious to see if there is a connection.

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Permalink Reply by Sheila W. on February 6, 2012 at 5:25pm

Kimburlee, My first episode was right after a car accident, side whiplash. I think what Red and Coqi have said sums it up. It can be connected. I have heard my ex's neck pop and grate when he turns it. I'm sure you can feel something. I think a chiropractor has easier remedies. The neurosurgeon thing scares me silly because of everyone I've met who had neck surgery, they developed "failed neck surgery syndrome" and suffered even worse for the rest of their lives. If your pain is ot severe, DON'T have surgery, because then you WILL have pain that is worse than now. A Doctor of Osteopathy can adjust your neck if you don't want to use a chiropractor. Just found out my insurance doesn't cover chiropractic so I'm kind of stuck in my situation.

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Permalink Reply by kimburlee on February 6, 2012 at 7:05pm

Hi Shelia,

The only thing I feel is this squishy feeling. I have no neck pain, popping or cracking. I was told by my gp that I have some curvature 4c 6c 7c and some signs of degeneration but wanted to send me to neurosurgeon to see what is going on. It is only a consultation. I will also consult with a chiropractor when it is time. I don't think there are too many that will touch you with TN. We will see.

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Permalink Reply by elaine48 on February 6, 2012 at 11:27pm

i have a connection with pinched nerves and spondeloss.what can be done about t. the scar tissue has altered the issue, but now what.. its also affecting my shoulder.

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Permalink Reply by elaine48 on February 7, 2012 at 10:23pm

be careful about chiropracters. they have been resposible for some derious adjustments. they make me nervous too.

Sheila said:

Kimburlee, My first episode was right after a car accident, side whiplash. I think what Red and Coqi have said sums it up. It can be connected. I have heard my ex's neck pop and grate when he turns it. I'm sure you can feel something. I think a chiropractor has easier remedies. The neurosurgeon thing scares me silly because of everyone I've met who had neck surgery, they developed "failed neck surgery syndrome" and suffered even worse for the rest of their lives. If your pain is ot severe, DON'T have surgery, because then you WILL have pain that is worse than now. A Doctor of Osteopathy can adjust your neck if you don't want to use a chiropractor. Just found out my insurance doesn't cover chiropractic so I'm kind of stuck in my situation.

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Permalink Reply by elaine48 on February 7, 2012 at 10:25pm

it certainly can. my neck speaks.

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Permalink Reply by Sheila W. on February 7, 2012 at 10:51pm

Thank goodness we have a smart and gentle chiro who has treated our family for 30 years. Otherwise I'd be scared to find one to trust. I've had dishonest chiropractors and uselesss ones, glad I never got a dangerous one. Today as I leaned foward, my neck/upper back made a huge "chunk" noise and I felt my shoulders drop a couple of inches and I am in worse pain now than when I fell. I'll call Mom's chiropractor tomorrow and ask if I can get a good price for an exam and adjustment. He comes to the house he's so compassionate. But last time he treated me, my insurance covered it, and now it won't so I have to make a deal with him. He's not interested in money much at all so I'm sure it won't be too bad. When I lean forward, between my shoulders and above hurt so bad I almost fall on the floor in pain, and my TN is worse. I really didn't need this added to all the other conditions I have to deal with. Oh well, hoping it will heal. Just have to be patient.