So scared about brain tumor!!

[Jo3016]

Please help me!!

I have had several episodes like this before but I can't remember if the pain was this constant.

The pains are always on my left side (I have always suffered like this!). I have temple pain, jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder pain on my left side. I also have tinnitus and ear pain. My face aches too (like sinuses but it is not sinusitis). My jaw is stiff and clicks and pops on the left side. And my scalp feels really sensitive.

In the past, I have seen an ENT specialist and all was fine. My dentist has had a night splint made for me but I really don't get on with it. I have had my eyes tested recently and there is no sign of any pressure on the nerves in the eye. No-one seems to think it is a problem and I am so scared that they are missing a brain tumor!! I have been seeing an osteopath for the last few weeks. He thinks it is mechanical but today said that if it doesn't improve with treatment, then maybe I should consider seeing a neurologist. This has really scared me. I am so frightened of having a brain tumor!! I have 3 kids - I can't have this!!! Please help!!!!

[Jo3016]

Someone please? I am on my own here and worrying myself silly!!!

[tangled]

I have TMJ and have had EXACTLY the symptoms you're describing.

It's rough isn't it? You're anxious and tense which aggravates the TMJ.... then you actually have the physical symptoms which feeds the health anxiety.

I've found that it helps if I 'check in' on my bite from time to time. Sometimes I won't notice that I have my jaw clenched - so now I check it regularly and relax and do a few breathing exercises if I find myself clenching. Slowly but surely it started to make a difference.

[Groundhog]

Agree sounds like TMJ or simply muscle discomfort that is being multiplied because you are getting anxious – the one thing it is not is a brain tumour. Brain tumours very rarely give head ache as a sole symptom and even rarer still as a first symptom. The common tumour symptom is fits and seizures closely followed by loss of limb use, sometimes you may have loss of senses for instance unable to talk.
The fact that you have had a clear eye sight test is further clarification you do not have a tumour.
Your symptoms have all the hall marks of TMJ and none of a tumour. Equally they could be muscle tension. Tell yourself it is not a tumour and try to relax and de-stress, try some heat on the neck / shoulder or better still a hot bath and relax.

P.S you are never alone we are here for you anytime

[Jo3016]

Thanks guys, that is a huge help!! Thank you x

[macc noodle]

You most definitely not presenting with anything that would suggest brain tumour hun - I have lost someone close to me with brain tumour and, trust me, it was quick and catastrophic in terms of how debilitated they became in a very short space of time prior to diagnosis - fits, loss of vision, inability to walk very far without collapse etc etc.

Also, my hubby having really bad headaches and has just seen a consultant neurologist and had scans etc - it turns out that he needs special pain killing injections into his neck because the source of the pain is in the neck from an old sports injury!

Chin up :D

Jan
x

[stacy1912]

Snap!!

I have exactly the same symptoms but on my right side! My jaw cracks terribly and the ear hurts, side of face aches and the eye socket. Along with a terribly sore scalp that feels like my hair is being ripped out! Like you I thought OH MY GOD but am told that TMJ is the cause and to take pain killers when at it's worst but to try and ignore it. I don't want any surgery or anything and as already said it helps to be aware of how tense your jaw is clasped! I check every so often and it is usually clenched shut! I also grind in the night so this adds to the pains !!

Seems to me like a lot of people suffer with this problem but it is us anxiety sufferers who imagine the worst!!

Take care and relax that jaw:)

[Humly]

Hi Jo. Hope you are feeling better since you last posted. I too suffer with tmj and have all the symptoms you describe. I agree that tension and anxiety make things worse but you seem to go around in circles in that you worry about the pain, which makes you tense up which in turn makes the pain more noticeable. What kind of night splint have you got from the dentist? I have just got a new hard acrylic splint that is supposed to keep my back teeth apart to stop me clenching but it doesnt seem to be having much effect. No easy answer apart from trying to relax more - I wish!!

[carlos2011]

Hi Jo,

Same here! Got some of your symptoms and worrying silly. Doctors basically don't want to know or send me to get a scan. The thing is, brain tumors are in the general sense very rare. I'm not a doctor, but I've done a lot of logical research over the internet and you have lots of different symptoms going on. It sounds more muscle or nerve related (in your neck). That's what I'm starting to think with me..all my throbbing is on the left side and I noticed the other day my neck is stiff when I turn it a certain way.

Oh yeah and stay away from the net, I wish I could take my own advice..you put anything into google and you've got cancer..the internet is the root of all evil with health related questions sometimes. Have faith in your GP, it's so easy to 'fit' your description to what sounds similar on the net. There are a million and one things it could be, and nearly every one of them are not kill you!

Try to relax and take care. What helped me a little was phoning the NHS..I had a lovely nurse phone me back, might be worth giving it a go..we are entitled as tax payers!

Carl