Join Our Community!
Share
Conditions and Diseases > Neurological Disorders Forum > Trigeminal Neuralgia Help Me Please
How can you tell if a headache is serious, or not? What types of headaches are there? Get started learning the facts about headache here....
Do you know when to seek help for headache symptoms? Learn more about symptoms of the four different types of headaches...and when to go to a doctor here....
Headaches can be caused by various medical conditions. Learn which tests doctors use to diagnose problem headaches...and who you should see to start diagnosis....
Avatar
Q: Trigeminal Neuralgia Help Me Please
asked by: rawkeze on November 5th, 2003
New User
I was trying to find supplements or alternative meds for the chronic pain, instead of all the pain meds I take now. The medicine gives me horrible stomack aches, and never takes away the pain long enough, or at all. I couldn't find anything about this condition, and I know so little. I was wondering if anyone knows of alternative meds to take for this, or if u know anyone with this condition.
Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(10)
Avatar
thomasb
replied on December 4th, 2003
New User
Medications used to treat trigeminal neuralgia include anticonvulsant drugs and muscle relaxants.

Surgical options for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia can include: alchohol injection, glycerol injection, balloon compression, electric current,
microvascular decompression (mvd).

The trigeminal nerve carries sensation from the face to the brain. The pain involved with this condition is a result of disturbance in the nerves function.

Pain may also occur when a blood vessel comes in contact with the trigeminal nerve.

Please consult your doctor for more information.


The following website contains a link to a trigeminal neuralgia support group. Http://www.Csmc.Edu/3034.Html
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
Venugopal
replied on December 4th, 2003
Experienced User
Alternative Medicine
Homoeopathy has very effective medicine to relieve you of pain due to trigeminal neuralgia.

Your homoeopath would need more symptoms to arrive at a prescription for you.
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
Snowbird
replied on February 5th, 2004
New User
Chiropractic Cured My Tn
I suffered horribly from trigeminal neuralgia. I surfed the internet looking for alternatives to the meds & surgeries I found in tn forums. In one forum I found a reference to chiropractic treatments helping this condition.

I immediately went to my chiropractor (who graduated magna cum laude and who is very knowlegable). She gave me some adjustments on the area related to the trigeminal nerve and much of the pain was decreased. After the 2nd. Adjustment I no longer had any attacks of tn.

I hope you or anyone else will try this alternative to drugs & surgeries and that it helps you too.
Did you find this post useful?
|
Users who thank Snowbird for this post: michaelrocks 
Avatar
Chrissy714
replied on July 30th, 2004
New User
My Diagnosis
Hi, I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia today when I went to the doctor. For a little over two weeks, I have had head pain, ear pain, neck pain etc....I've been looking on the internet for information and decided to post. I was put on neurontin. I was amazed to see the connection between tn and dental work. I had a filling put in 4 days before these symptoms began. I'm so angry right now, I want to sue my dentist. Has this started with anyone after dental work?
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
speediebean
replied on July 30th, 2004
New User
Dental Work And Tn Connection
Hi chrissy. I am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis!! Being a tn sufferer myself (second time around for me, first was the right side 10 years ago, now it's the left side), I understand the torture you're going through. Let me assure you though that it is no fault at all of your dentist's. Sometimes a pre-existing tn problem can be 'triggered' by having dental work done, but it's not caused by dental work or by dentists!! There are many things that can be triggers, including dental work for many, and also a light breeze on the effected side of your face, a lock of hair brushing your face, brushing your teeth, eating, breathing!!
No joke!! Yes, i've had 'flair ups' after dental work, but I know that it's already a pre-existing condition, and that dental work was just a trigger,
no different than washing my face or using too cold of water to brush my teeth. Please contact a neurologist for more information! You'll be sooo glad you did!!!
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
Crisco123
replied on March 30th, 2008
New User
Dentist's Fault
I, too, have been diagnosed with TN and believe wholeheartedly that the dentist is at fault. I have never had any major problems with my teeth. 9 months ago I decided to switch dentists due dissatisfaction with the billing procedures, among others things. This was the biggest mistake of my life.

The first thing he told me was that it was a good thing I switched because my teeth were in such bad shape. He then extracted a wisdom tooth I didn't even know I had. I'd never had any pain back there, absolutely none. But he insisted he had to be done because the tooth was rotted. They neglected to tell me not to drink liquid from a straw because of the blood clot that should form after an extraction. Of course, I was hungry but in too much pain to eat solids, so I went to McDonalds and got a nice, thick milkshake, a lot of sucking action which apparently dislodged my blood clot and resulted in a condition known as dry socket. This was treated with antibiotics and medicated packings over the following 2 weeks, but even after the dentist claimed the area to be completely healed, I still had pain. Another x-ray showed nothing.

He then told me I should have my silver fillings replaced with composites. He did this to the tooth directly next to the extraction site, as well as the 2 teeth next to that. I still had pain. Another x-ray. Nothing. He then opened one of the teeth he'd filled and found that the root was dead, so he did a root canal. For about 1 week after that I had no pain and was so happy. I thought the problem had been found and solved. But then I started having pain again. This time much more severe and unrelenting and before. The pain was so bad that I was completely unable to do anything. I took three days off of work because I knew I would not be able to teach my classes in the condition I was in.

I went back to the dentist. Guess what? Another x-ray. Again - nothing. He then called in his colleague, who asked me a few questions and told me I needed to go to a neurologist. The problem wasn't dental, he said, but a problem with the trigeminal nerve. O.K., I thought , I'll just go to the neurologist and she'll fix the problem.

She asked me some questions about the location, intensity, duration of the pain. She also said the problem was because of the extraction - not a pre-existing condition. This means that the dentist is 100% liable for my pain. She prescribed Gabapentin, which I've been taking for 4 days now and it hasn't helped one bit. I'm afraid to leave the house, I can't drive my car, I don't know how I'm supposed to work tomorrow, I'm in such pain I can't think straight. I do believe this is a direct result of the extraction of a wisdom tooth which was causing me no problems.

I am angry. I am dismayed. And if this goes on with no relief, I believe I will be suicidal.
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
mugwin35
replied on May 29th, 2008
New User
How can I arrange to see a neurologist
I am completely dismaid that I am now suffering from another bout of Tn, I have ben having headaches for three days and this morning the worst happened. TN has struck again, I am so depressed about it as I know this could now go on for 3 to 4 months like the last time, thankfully the last time was 18 months ago and had some Gabapentin in the cupboard that were still in date, I have started my dose of Gabapentin this evening, as have been unable to eat or drink anything today, with the sickness that I get with TN, I have never been referred to a neurologist, and wonder how to go about this and will it be of any help to me, even though my doctor has made his diagnosis of TN which I have ufered with bouts of for 6 years approx now, but only in the last 3 years did my doc say it was TN, Would a facial pain clinic be of any help too me and how do I go about this as my doctor has never suggested a referral to one, should I just ask him, and what if he says no
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
trublu
replied on September 18th, 2008
New User
here here to chiropractors!
Hi...Six months ago I was diagnosed with bilateral trigeminal neuralgia (both sides of face and rare to have). It was two weeks after we had been on holiday in New Zealand. The neurologist suggested that I had picked up a virus and prescribed me medication. I have been on Tegretol, Lyrica, Trileptal, Dilatin and Neuroton with no success.

I decided to do some research and also get my body checked from top to bottom. Firstly I went cold turkey off the meds and then I had my eyes checked to see if there was any retinal damage that was all clear. I went to see an ear nose and throat specialist to check for any acute sinus problems and ok there too.

Next I went to a chiropractor and when I told him what I had been through he suggested as it was on both sides of my face that it probably had something to do with my neck and spine. He is the only person who has made any sense thus far. He put it down to all the things you do preparing, visiting and returning from holidays eg handling baggage, sleeping in different motel beds, the flight and not to mention anything adventurous that you might do while you are away like we did...jetboat and bungy jump (the latter I might add that was the first thing I mentioned to the neurologist). After two weeks of adjustments 2-3 times a week I am feeling near perfect. The chiro thinks it will probably only take about a month and all will be well again...the neck just has to get used to being in the proper position again.

I am not sure how my partner survived my mood swings, tiredness and total health forum but I am glad I had and still have his support. There are support groups around you just have to ask around.

I hope this has helped you a little and good luck in your hunt for happiness!

Trublu
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
dolefruitcup
replied on November 12th, 2008
New User
suffered almost 4 years
hi im ruby, ive been diagnosed with tn when i was 13 im 16 now almost 17

only thing ive tried is trgretol/carbamazephine 100-600mg a day
doctor wanted to perscribe trileptal but they charge me like 200 or so for a months supply so mum said forget it

ive seen physical therapists <-doesnt realy help they did electric stimulation, and sum neck stretching thing, ive done acupuncture <- didnt help either now i dont rly care i just rely on meds and try to lower dosage once i hit 400 a day

worse episodes last about 1.5 hours

hrms.. every year it sort of targets a different spot
but to me its worst when its near my nose and winter
i can barely apply lition, blow my nose
sneezing or my hair sets off episodes
when its near my forehead its hard to brush or tie my hair a trickle of watter often starts episodes
upper right teeth contact with food oftenstarts episodes
eating or drinking, swalling my own spit laying down all starts episodes
when its just my right cheek near the neck i find that the least painful iguess ._.
hrms... im just great ful for when episodes are over and the months or weeks of a year im not in pain Smile


my remedies = rub my face like hell make it hurt more sorta makes me feel it hurts less when i stop rubbing ._.
pinching my jaw/necking borderline near the trigimenal nerve
doctor recomended masaging that area alot ._.
ice doesnt work and in the winter i cant stand the cold so i dont bother warm water soothes but doesnt rly stop episodes

id concider getting surgery but im a bit poor >.>
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
corrinagriggs
replied on November 3rd, 2009
New User
hi i too suffer from tn.noticed mine 21/2 years ago, which back then i believed it was tooth ache. i had xray after xray but my teeth are perfect.went to the docs and got referred to a specialist.have tired every tablet going and none of them work! i am so frustrated i have attacks everyday some last 2 mins others last 2-3 hours! i can't eat drink wash sleep, without pain. i am at my last tether with this now.i am a mum of 2 young children and also try to work full time, but my tn is now taking over my life! have been told too that i cannot learn to drive because of tn. surgery is not worth the risk in my mind so what other options are out there for us?
Did you find this post useful?
|
Quick Reply
Search