← Return to Trigeminal neuralgia: What helps stop the pain?

Discussion

Trigeminal neuralgia: What helps stop the pain?

Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: Aug 21 7:08pm | Replies (127)
Comment receiving replies
@smueller19

I had trigeminal nerve pain in 2018 in the upper right gum line and took carbamazepine 200 mg daily for 9-12 months. Initial jolting pain was horrific.. felt liked being plugged directly into an electrical receptacle. It returned in 2022 on left side of face moving various places under the eye. I am currently on 400 mg carbamazepine. In the past six months I have developed neuropathy in feet and lower legs. Neurologist says there is no cure. Compression hose provides some relief. Any idea if the two neuropathies are related? I will start 600mg Neurontin (Gabapentin) this coming week. The doctor said Lyrica and Neurontin might help. What is weird is that the neurologist did not prescribed the medicine; however he sent me to a hematologist/immunologist who ordered comprehensive blood and 24 hr urine testing, even joint X-rays. Except for slightly low gamma globulin, all tests and X-rays results were normal. The foot/leg neuropathy is now limiting my physical ability to stand on my feet for very long. Ankles are turning darker now due to broken capillaries. Compression hose do help.

This is all new to me, but I am determined to explore every avenue that I can. Your thoughts are welcome..

Jump to this post

Replies to "I had trigeminal nerve pain in 2018 in the upper right gum line and took carbamazepine..."
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 29, 2023

Welcome @smueller19, I don't have trigeminal neuropathy but I do have peripheral neuropathy in my legs and feet with only some numbness and tingling but no pain. I think TN is related by way of it's also a peripheral nerve.

"Is the trigeminal nerve part of the peripheral nervous system?
The trigeminal nerve, also called the fifth cranial nerve, mediates sensations of the face and eye as well as many of the muscle movements involved in chewing. It is the largest of the twelve cranial nerves, and like the others, it is a peripheral nerve that originates in the brainstem."
--- The Trigeminal Nerve: Anatomy, Function, and Treatment: https://www.verywellhealth.com/trigeminal-nerve-anatomy-4588724.

I'm sorry to hear you are also experiencing neuropathy in your legs and feet. I also wear compression socks that are up to the knee but not for neuropathy treatment. I have to wear the compression socks to treat the swelling in my legs caused by lymphedema. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a lot of good information on different treatments including complementary and alternative treatments that you might find helpful:
--- Living Well - The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/.

Did your doctors mention lymphedema or other diagnosis when you started using compression hose?

VIEW AND REPLY