Post herpetic neuralgia

[Aliholth]

Hi

I was diagnosed with Bell's palsy 5 weeks ago. I had the standard treatment of antivirals and steroids. As I was still having ear pain I was referred to ENT where they diagnosed the neuralgia. I've been taking amitrptiline for two weeks now, but the pain is still very up and down.

Has anyone else experienced this and how long did it last?

Thanks

[25clai]

Hi Alihoth,

I am 10 weeks down the line with my palsy ( actually Ramsey Hunt Syndrome) but same symptoms. I've had a number of neuralgia issues in the past, and now with the pain of the

[25clai in reply to 25clai]

Sorry, I can't see that well at this time of night and accidentally hit send. ( paralysed eye).... As I was saying..

The pain of the palsy and I am recovering from shingles, I have a lot of neuralgia. It varies in location, eye, ear, mouth . I also have a long history of other neuralgia. Unfortunately , it can take a really long time to recover. The recovery can be very gradual. I take a related drug to amyltriptline , it is nortriptyline. These can be taken long term. Are you getting high enough dose to have some comfort? The dose should be increased very gradually, best to talk to GP if it's not enough, as any increase should be done via GP / consultant . I take a strong vitamin B complex, which is a good supplement for nerves. Nerve conduction tests have been mentioned to me from neurologist I am now under. I have had an MRI on my head, which showed no problems with my brain ( I had problems with my memory with shingles). They didn't do contrast dye, unfortunately, as according to neurologist that would have shown up nerve function. Rather annoying, but I was referred for MRI by another specialist, ie not in neurology. I wish you the best for your recovery.

[Aliholth in reply to 25clai]

Hi

Thanks! They won't say that it was Ramsey hunt as I didn't have any signs of blistering, this could be because I was given the antiviral treatment really quickly (my face didn't completely drop it was because my left eye wasn't blinking). Ill talk again to my gp about my dose and I'll look out for the b12 tablets too. An MRI scan hasn't been mentioned so I might ask about that too.

[Hidden]

Yes, my Bells Palsy started in October last year. I'm still getting pains, though infrequent now, and also have vertigo/balance problems. The vertigo started not long after the BP and neuralgia was finally suspected in January, but not diagnosed (as vestibular neuritis) until late April. With the problems in the NHS, I feel my case was put on the backburner & was not treated as urgently as my doctor, myself & all around me thought it should be. With this in mind, & if you're relying on NHS as I had to, then I would urge you to pester doctors, consultants & relevant secretaries as much as possible.

I've finally got to see a physiotherapist (started in May), who says it will be a few months before I recover. Therapy is basically physical exercises to rehabilitate the vestibular organ & nerve. Tough going but I'm beginning to feel a bit better, some days more than others. Amitriptyline has helped with the pain & sleeping issues at night, but I still have to also take paracetamol throughout the day. Have to say it's been a struggle but at least I can see a light at the end of the tunnel now.

Best of luck with your case

[Aliholth in reply to Hidden]

Oh wow sounds like I've been very lucky with me experience with the NHS! The ENT specialist diagnosed neuralgia and prescribed the amytriptiline straight away.

Glad things seem to be improving for you too.