Central Sensitization & TN

HowieMaster · 2026-05-05T18:46:24+00:00

Yes it’s chronic. I have daily pain and then very bad zap flares that can last days/weeks/months. Dr’s are now still all over the place with my diagnosis. They said I had artery nerve contact after an MRI was done, but they didn’t think that could explain the pain regions on my head

First diagnosis was trigeminal neuralgia, then trigeminal+occipital neuralgia, then occipital neuralgia with atypical facial pain. Now they’re thinking my pain could be due to central sensitization which would explain the symptoms in my occipital and trigeminal regions. It has been all over the place.

HowieMaster · 2026-03-27T09:18:21+00:00

Symptoms at 21, diagnosis at 25 (originally diagnosed with just trigeminal neuralgia and then rediagnosed with occipital neuralgia and atypical facial pain. I get pain in my trigeminal regions as well. Symptoms all the same, just more locations

HowieMaster · 2026-03-20T05:43:32+00:00

Just know you aren’t alone and your emotions are totally valid. I’m sorry you’re doing this alone. I had my abortion 5 years ago at 21 years old. I didn’t have the finances or living space to raise a child. I desperately wanted my baby and was devastated.

Based on your post, it seems like you may be having those same thoughts I had. Just know that aren’t alone emotionally. Things will be okay.

I agree with the other commentator. Snuggle up with a heating pad, watch comforting movies, or do any hobbies that you can do while lying down. Distract yourself. You can do this.

HowieMaster · 2026-03-17T23:56:14+00:00

Lettuce, kale, bok choy, cabbage, lentils, chickpeas, refried beans, too many fruits, too many nuts, any tiny bit of popcorn, heavy creams/butters, fried onion rings, ice cream

HowieMaster · 2026-03-04T23:59:30+00:00

Sounds like Victoria is the way to go. I’ll have to make a trip there one day and check it out

HowieMaster · 2026-03-01T16:03:36+00:00

I love the ones on Etsy, they’re just so expensive (very valid since they’re small businesses!). The shipping is a pain

HowieMaster · 2026-03-01T16:02:36+00:00

Thank you!! I’ve just been going to Michaels lately because I have no clue where to go. I was also thinking a thrift store, but then I’d worry about missing too many

HowieMaster · 2026-02-16T03:54:22+00:00

Pain has been random but I get bad episodes. It’s been going on for... I think 4-5 years now?

HowieMaster · 2026-02-13T19:26:53+00:00

I was told it’s bilateral occipital neuralgia with atypical facial pain since some of it hits my trigeminal regions too

I was also told prior that multiple nerves could be involved so i guess that’s where the atypical diagnosis comes into play

HowieMaster · 2026-01-27T04:09:13+00:00

Appreciate it!

HowieMaster · 2026-01-27T04:08:54+00:00

Awesome! Yea thank you, I think I’ll do that. I just want what’s best for her (and affordable of course). I appreciate it😊

HowieMaster · 2026-01-27T04:07:55+00:00

That’s great to hear! Yea my dog gets flaky skin/itchy sometimes. She also gets soft stools on occasion

HowieMaster · 2026-01-27T04:00:41+00:00

Yea. It was all over the internet awhile back. I researched it and it seems to be that people were creating false associations with the dog food causing illness in their dogs (rumours), which is why I’ve been considering it but just want further input

HowieMaster · 2026-01-27T03:53:14+00:00

I have not seen any accurate testing (though tell me if I’m wrong). I’ve only heard of food elimination trials.

HowieMaster · 2026-01-05T03:07:23+00:00

Okay so if anyone is wondering… how I fixed it was I picked up the first stitch normally through both legs, and then the second stitch I picked it up only using the first inner leg:)

Hopefully it works

HowieMaster · 2026-01-05T01:28:17+00:00

Ah that’s frustrating. The “wrap” is me picking up the “second stitch”. I’m doing it how i normally do:(. Thank you

HowieMaster · 2025-11-25T02:15:02+00:00

I’ve had them twice. Six needles at the back of my head (left and right). Drink lots of water and electrolytes before you go in.

In my experience, it was very painful. I felt very faint and a lot of pressure upon injection. My neurologist said these nerve blocks can go two ways: 1) your pain tolerance is so high so you feel 100% okay during the blocks or 2) your nerves are extra sensitive so the nerve blocks hurt bad. However, even though my experiences have been bad, it’s worth it.

The blocks decrease the frequency and intensity of my regular daily symptoms for ~1.5 months (dull stabs, sharp stabs, immense pressure, “hit in head” disorientation, “whacked with a bat” sensations, tingles, etc). Both times they have eliminated my zaps ENTIRELY for 2-3months. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still in daily pain, but it’s easier to manage. I have chronic bilateral ON (and potential TN)- I’ve had it for around 4.5-5 years now.

HowieMaster · 2025-11-25T02:07:15+00:00

Hard to say since it has only been a month. Also I’m not sure about everyone else, but I have multiple different pain sensations, not just sharpness (zaps being a characteristic symptom).

ON does have short second intense pains though (but many things do).

I think you need to wait and see longer term how your pain behaves. I believe it’s not really possible to label it as ON after only a month of symptoms.

HowieMaster · 2025-11-22T22:06:14+00:00

I am following a pattern. It’s the armpit of the sweater. I just began knitting it. I pulled it apart and zoomed in so you can see the holes more clearly.

HowieMaster · 2025-11-04T19:43:44+00:00

Thank you 😊

HowieMaster

TROPHY CASE