Connect
Trigeminal Neuralgia*
My 92 year old father was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia more than a decade ago. For a long time Amitriptyline kept the 'strikes' at bay. He became symptomatic again last October. In March they did a Gamma Knife radiation treatment. This halted his symptoms for about 6 weeks. Two weeks ago he started having daily 'strikes' again. His PCP switched him from Amitriptyline to Lyrica. Now that he is weaned completely off the Amitriptyline and on the full dose of Lyrica he is having 'strikes' several times a day. The local neurosurgeons won't consider surgery, but we are desperate. Any insights at all on any therapeutic modalities would be appreciated. Acupuncture was not effective.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.
Connect
No I meet with neuro Thursday. The nurse kind of mentioned it iver phone today.
@lamerx what do you know of sudden onset of throbbing in two teeth that never existed until j had a bridge put in. I seriously feel like a puzzle missing pieces. Doctors that not only drop the ball but needles on floor and still use on me. This has been crazy to say the least
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am not a dentist nor an oral surgeon nor a medical doctor, so I'm afraid I can't explain your symptoms. Your statement about doctors dropping needles and then using them on you has me deeply concerned. I hope you reported this situation. I learned a long time of go, if I know something is wrong, I don't sit there and take it; I refuse the procedure and ask to see another practitioner. Good luck.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi. I did report. Doctors hospital here in Augusta have reached to me several times they have talked with the nurse. I wish she had been reprimanded and late today they called to see if they could reimburse me for out if picket expenses. Plys the radiologist contacted me. I'm hopeful they learned something and that I didn't contract something that hadn't revealed itself. The doctor that performed the procedure has not contacted me. Thanks for your reply.
to tlgregg60 Yes, one will go to eye dr, and dentist bec of area that<br>hurts. When trigeminal neuralgia was discovered in ER, they just gave<br>aspirin, so I continued in that vein. It can come back slightly off and<br>on. ladyjane86<br><br>
I am 67 years old, woman and have Trigeminal neuralgia. I am currently taking Gabapentin, 250mg 3X day. This was originally for nerve pain in my back. It does not help the TN pain. I was also on a very low dose of amitriptilyn but got heart arrhythmia after a couple years. I am getting sever flair ups all day/night. I see a pain psychologist as needed for my back pain, and she is on a panel of doctors that treat all head pain too. I have to chart my TN pain for 30 days before I can get an appointment with a neurologist. I am going to call Monday and beg to get in earlier. Are there ANY home remedies or suggestions that can stop the intense, severe, burning and shooting pain? The longest it lasts is 5 minutes, and is consistent off and on every day now.
I wish I had something to offer for relief, but, alas, I do not. My father tried acupuncture but did not find it effective. His gamma knife procedure only offered relief for 5 weeks. He has been on doses of nortriptyline up to 80 mg. I did find a pillow on-line that is marketed for avoiding wrinkles. It is in the shape of a C so there is no pressure on his cheek. That seems to have helped greatly. He can't lay on his other side because of an old, painful total hip replacement. Thankfully he has been strike free for about 4 weeks now, but he is in heart failure. I encourage you to find a neurologist as quickly as possible who specializes in trigeminal neuralgia. At the young age of 67, I would not hesitate to go to Mayo for treatment. I hope you find relief soon.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsWelcome to Connect @reneewise50. I'm so glad you connected with @lamerex4 and hope some of her suggestions helped.
Did you get an appointment on Monday? Have you found any pain relief?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you Colleen for asking. I have an appointment in October with the neurologist. I am on gabapentin and Baclofen right now but may need to tweak it a little as the pain gets quite severe at times. Right now it seems to be going away but not entirely. Two days ago I was having 25 to 30 flareups with severe shooting, stabbing pains, but today I only have about 20 so far. At least it's going in the right direction. Nothing really stops the pain, unfortunately.
MY FACE STARTED OUT TO BE NUMB ON ONE SIDE BUT THEN BOTHE SIDES OF MY FACE ARE NOW NUMB HARD TO EAT AND I HAVE LOST 30 LBS IN THE LAST YEAR. IF YOU KNOW ANY NEW MEDICINE I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT WORKED NO ONE KNOW HOW THIS GET ON YOUR NEVERS I USE ICE PACKS.