brain nerve pain - #18870
I am seriously confused and kinda worried about this brain nerve pain thing I've been dealing with. It started a few weeks ago, I was just sitting at my computer, and bam! I felt this weird sharp pain that shot through my head, like an electric jolt. At first, I thought it was just a headache or something, but the brain nerve pain has gotten worse. I've been getting these weird tingling sensations too, mostly on one side of my forehead and it makes me feel like I'm losing my mind wondering what it could be. I even went to my doc, and they said it might be neuralgia but didn’t run any tests. They just told me to take some ibuprofen and rest! I mean, it sounds simple, but this brain nerve pain is so distracting, it’s affecting my work and sleep. I’m also a bit concerned because sometimes I get these moments of dizziness, like my vision is flickering for a split second whenever the pain hits. Should I push for more tests or a second opinion? Is this normal? Has anyone else dealt with this brain nerve pain and found some relief? I just want to understand what’s going on.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Your symptoms do align with neuralgia, particularly trigeminal neuralgia, which is characterized by electric shock-like pain that usually affects one side of the head or face. However, since these symptoms are quite distressing and you’re also experiencing dizziness and sudden vision changes, it would be reasonable to seek further evaluation. Dizziness and visual disturbances aren’t typically prominent features of common neuralgias and could indicate something that might require more immediate attention. More thorough diagnostics—like imaging studies such as an MRI—could help rule out other conditions, such as structural issues in the brain or certain types of headaches like cluster headaches or migraines, which might mimic neuralgia symptoms but have different underlying causes and treatments. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to reassess medications: ibuprofen can help manage inflammation and pain, but if the issue is neuralgia, other medications like anticonvulsants or gabapentin might be more effective. Keeping a symptom diary noting the occurrence, duration, and any potential triggers of your symptoms could also provide a more comprehensive picture while seeking a second opinion. Lastly, be cautious about any triggers, which could include stress, certain foods, or even specific postures, making note of any pattern will guide your doctor in managing and diagnosing the condition further. While neuralgia isn’t life-threatening, it greatly affects quality of life, so pursuing further tests and a specialist opinion can help ensure that you’re on the right path to relief.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.