This link goes through a lot of the available procedures.
http://www.umanitoba.ca/centres/cranial_nerves/trigeminal_neuralgia/manuscript/index.html
A good neurosurgeon or facial pain specialist should be able to give you information about all the procedures available and what would be recommended in your sister's case.
Another good site is http://www.fpa-support.org/ -- the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association.
From my research, sometimes MRIs don't show the nerve compressions. Was it a "thin-slice" MRI? Was it T-3 magnets? Both of these items help make the MRI more accurate.
The drugs are annoying -- there are many different types -- some have less side effects than others. There are also things you can do to counteract the nausea and fatigue.
I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia yesterday and have been prescribed oxcarbazepine also hydrocodone for pain. I know I can trigger the attacks by movement of my head but I also get attacks by putting various foods in my mouth. I really don't even get a chance to taste them since I go into pain immediately. Do you have a list of triggering foods available?
//www.fpa-support.org/ -- the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association. They sell a book on their site called "Striking Back" that has a lot of good information.
Best of luck!
I've only had trigeminal neuralgia since Dec 17, 2008 and am 47 years old. I was told I'm "fairly young" for this disease, but I also have multiple sclerosis, so that may have been a contributing factor. Your son is much younger than me and that may be a big factor in what a doctor may advise.
My advice is that your son find a doctor who specializes in TN, preferably at a teaching hospital in the nearest big city.
Does anyone out there have neuralgia pain along with their TMJ or TMD pain??? I've been tested for trigeminal neuralgia several times and they are telling me I don't have it, or facial neuralgia, yet it fits the description according to the pain I am having. My pain is extreme, and I am taking various meds that are making me sick... Wondering if anyone else is in this position..
seekandfind46..
I am a 51 year old woman suffering from vagal glossopharyngeaal neuralgia (its much like Trigeminal Neuralgia but much less common. The pain comes from irritation of the 9th and 10th cranial nerves) My pain has become nearly constant and spikes whenever I am talking, eating, riding in a car. Neurotin, Tegratal, and Lyrica do not help. I have seen four neurosurgeons. The concensus seems to be that I need skull base surgery to cut the 9th nerve and a couple strands of the 10th.
I have had symptons from trigeminal neuralgia for the past 5 years. Last April ina a 2 week period, every day the pain escalated. I lost 9 pounds. I am on carbomazapan, which stopped the lighteninglike pains from shooting down my face, but when I touch near my right eyebrow or put moisturizer and or makeup on and even brush my hair it is still painful. I am constantly pressing on my nose to try to relieve the pain.
The Facial Pain Association (formerly The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (TNA)) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit voluntary health organization, serving patients worldwide who suffer from neuropathic face pain, including TN, their families, and the physicians, dentists and healthcare providers who treat them.TNA receives no Federal or State monies. Our primary sources of funding are contributions, membership fees and revenue from the sale of our books."
I find it very helpful.
I read about facial migraines in the book Striking Back! It is about trigeminal neuralgia and face pain. There is a part in there about how migraines can occur anywhere in the head. But when they occur in the face they're called facial migraines.It says that they are ones that are most likely confused with TN. It says pain usually occurs on one side. That it typically affects the nostrils,cheeks, gums and teeth. Which is where my pain seems to be most of the time. Where is your pain at?
Did you ever get a reply? Sounds like Trigeminal Neuralgia Type 1 or Atypical. There is help for this! Same needs used for seizures help condition and pain attacks. Tegretol is one but many more. Thank you
Neurologist treats TN. Studies happening now.
Traumatic trigeminal neuropathy is generally not associated with trigeminal neuralgia. However, both entities may be responsive to pharmacologic intervention. Seeing a neurologist or orofacial pain specialist misadvised.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) rarely occurs with sinusitis but it has been described. The persistent congestion and your severe headache suggest that, despite the "clear" sinus x-rays you may have sinusitis or an infection of the sinus that has extended beyond the sinus walls.
That you are still ill suggests a possible infectious complication. You would do well to consult with an ENT specialist and have a CT scan of your sinuses and the adjacent areas.
Good luck.
Does Trigeminal Neuralgia worsen with age. I've tried Tegretol but the pain has some back agaiin after about a year and is very, very intense. It is like a needle made of glass penetrating the right side of my nose and going into my head. What is the best treatment for this and can it be cured completely.
This discussion is related to <a href='/posts/show/894401'>Trigeminal neuralgia more help</a>.
Hello,
In your case, I think that it can be trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is very painful swelling (inflammation) of the nerve (trigeminal nerve) that delivers feeling to the face and "surface" of the eye. Trigeminal neuralgia causes severe, short-lasting (only a few seconds) facial pain on the side of the affected nerve even by slight touch. Mostly affects elderly females. May be caused in multiple sclerosis also.
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