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.
By ATN -- do you mean Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia? If so, there are 5 different types of surgery. There are also medications -- mostly anti-seizure medications normally used for epilepsy -- that are used to control the pain. Problem with the drugs is, they can cause other problems (kidney/liver) and regular blood tests are necessary.
A facial pain specialist is the best doctor to seek out or a neurologist.
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.
The Facial Pain Association (formerly known as the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association) has a page on their website where you can look up health care providers by state. http://www.fpa-support.org/providers/index.html
You can also call TNA directly at 1-800-923-3608 or 352-331-7009.
Also, if you look at their Medical Board of Directors -- it lists various doctors in different areas of the country.
Santos,
Okay, then. Could be you have trigeminal neuralgia.
Even tho tooth pain can radiate all over the place, and even tho you could have a little ulcer there, infection, perhaps you bruised that area, or might be a blocked salivary gland, there is a chance it's more problematic.
Hi there,
First of all, sorry to hear you are in pain and that you are confused. It seems to be the way it goes doesn't it? A few questions and comments. I am no expert, please keep that in mind. Just learning along with you...
1. Did your family doctor diagnose you with TN? Is that who gave you your MRI results?
-If so, you should see a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Look for one that specializes in TN if you can, or at least Facial Pain. They will be better able to explain the results.
According to what I've read Trigeminal Neuralgia can be caused by a blood vessel or vein pressing on the Trigeminal nerve, by MS, by tumors, or by damage to the Trigeminal nerve during a surgical procedure. I'm not really sure about a bump on the head.
There are different types of "neuralgia" -- you may want to post your question on the Neurology community or do a search on this website -- if you are asking your question about "neuralgia" in general.
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.
duh to me, sorry, I don't know how I missed that I gave you the same name.
But I did find this doctor at www.endthepain.org, the trigeminal neuralgia association website. You can search by state at the top under "Health Care Providers".
Neurosurgeon in Orgeon:
Dr.Francisco X. Soldevilla, MD
Northwest Neurological Associates, LLC
19250 SW 65th Avenue, Ste. 260
Tualatin, OR 97062
USA
Tel: 503-885-8845
Fax: 503-885-8946
Web Site: http://www.providence.
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 never had a Rhizotomy, but I have also read the posts on the Trigeminal Nueralgia Association website, and numerous people there have mentioned that the Rhizotomy only works for about 6 months and then your pain comes back.
In comparison, 80% of the people who have a Gamma Knife are pain free. 20% have the nerve re-generate in 5 years and relapse.
There are 5 different procedures. You need to do research and discuss with the doctor what the best procedure is for you.
She went back to the ER, this time drs said it is not an infection but trigeminal neuralgia. When I looked on the internet, the description of this condition did not seem to match her symptoms. They prescribed neurontin, but she tried to take this before, for a back problem (she has had 3 back surgeries==failed fusions) She has allows been very sensitive to pain meds, etc. The neurontin knocks her out and she can't function.
Hi, possibly it is neuralgia, in conditions like trigeminal neuralgia similar kind of symptoms are seen. Do consult neurologist for investigations. Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder affecting the areas of the face where the trigeminal nerve's branches are distributed, including the lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, and upper and lower jaws.
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.
I have been to see so many specialists over the years and the closest i hav gotten to a diagnosis is possible atypical neuralgia. Now I have noticed a small pea sized lump on my jaw just in front of my earlobe. It is hard and semimoveable when i do move it it makes my eye twitch or sends a shock to my ear. is it possible that is what is causing my pain as I have this lump on both sides of my face.
Thanks.
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