Treated with nonsteroidal medications. 1993 pain gradually returns to high levels, centering in left jaw, often extending to whole head. Patient under considerable stress at home. Family, financial difficulties lead to loss of home and moving into parent's house with husband and child. Patient continues to work as she is primary source of family income.
Patient tries applications of heat, ice, plus pain medications with limited and temporary relief.
MRI of 1995 indicates vein pressing against fifth cranial nerve. Thought to be possible cause of pain. Patient begins treatment with psychologist. April 1997, pain becomes so severe that patient is hospitalized for three days for intravenous narcotic pain medications. Diagnosed with unresolved myofascial syndromes of the head and neck muscles plus depression.