Persistent Pain on the Left Side of My Face
I am a 25-year-old woman weighing 165 pounds and standing at 5'3". I am currently taking 450mg of Wellbutrin along with a generic multivitamin aimed at women's health. I consume alcohol occasionally but do not use any other substances. For over six months, I have been experiencing significant discomfort on the left side of my face, located just beneath the cheekbone. The pain is constant, yet it intensifies at times without clear triggers related to my surroundings. Initially, I suspected it to be a dental issue, but after having both an examination and x-rays, my dentist suggested that it might be referred pain stemming from a filling in my lower molar that was missing; however, once that was addressed, the pain persisted. He concluded that there were no dental issues responsible for my discomfort. Consequently, my physician referred me to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. During the evaluation, the ENT noted that my left nostril appeared to be more irritated than the right. He ordered a CT scan, the findings of which are as follows: **CT SINUSES - COMPLETE EXAM** **REASON FOR EXAMINATION:** Chronic maxillary sinusitis. **COMPARATIVE DATA:** None. **TECHNIQUE:** Thin-section axial images were created, with sagittal and coronal reformations made. Various dose reduction techniques were implemented based on the patient's size. **RESULTS:** - **MAXILLARY SINUSES:** No notable mucosal thickening detected. - **ETHMOID SINUSES:** No notable mucosal thickening detected. - **FRONTAL SINUSES/RECESSES:** No notable mucosal thickening detected. - **SPHENOID SINUSES:** No notable mucosal thickening detected. These sinuses are expansive posterior to the dorsum sella with non-pneumatized lateral recesses. - **OSTIOMEATAL COMPLEXES:** Clear. - **NASAL SEPTUM:** Mild deviation towards the right at the lower section of the middle turbinates with minor osteophytic growths detected. - **OTHER OBSERVATIONS:** No signs of bone dehiscence or neo-osteogenesis. The examined middle ear structures and mastoid air cells show no abnormalities. The brain parenchyma appears normal. **SUMMARY:** 1. There is no significant mucosal thickening in the paranasal sinuses. 2. There is a mild rightward deviation of the nasal septum with small osteophytic spurs.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 6:50:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been dealing with persistent and frustrating facial pain, possibly linked to chronic sinus issues, even after thorough evaluations. Given your situation, let's break down the information and look at possible next steps.
Main Points:
- Your CT scan results show no significant issues with your sinuses, which is promising.
- Chronic facial pain can have several causes beyond sinusitis, including nerve-related issues or muscle tension.
- You need to explore additional options to manage your pain.
Explanation:
Chronic facial pain can sometimes stem from various non-dental causes, even when initial assessments appear normal. Since your CT scan didn't show significant issues in your sinuses, it may be useful to consider other potential sources of your pain. Common alternatives include:
- Nerve-related pain: Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia or post-herpetic neuralgia could cause facial discomfort.
- Muscle tension: Tension in the muscles around the jaw or face can lead to pain, particularly during stressful periods or if you grind your teeth.
- Referred pain from other sources: Sometimes, pain originates from nearby structures but is perceived in the facial area.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management Strategies:
- Heat or cold packs: Applying heat or cold to the affected area may offer temporary relief.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort when taken as directed.
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Keep a Pain Diary:
- Track your pain intensity, duration, and any associated symptoms, as well as factors you notice that might influence your discomfort (like stress or diet).
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Consult with a Pain Specialist:
- If your pain persists, consider consulting a pain management specialist or a neurologist. They can evaluate for nerve-related issues or recommend treatments such as physical therapy, medications specifically for nerve pain, or other interventions.
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Stress Reduction Techniques:
- Incorporate stress-relief practices such as yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise into your routine to help manage any tension that may be contributing to your pain.
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Further Evaluation:
- If you continue to experience discomfort after trying these steps, consider asking your physician about additional imaging or tests to rule out other conditions, or referrals to specialists like a neurologist or pain management expert.
It's understandable to feel frustrated with ongoing pain, but there are pathways to explore that may lead to relief. Please let me know if you want more specific strategies or support!
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