Anyone ever have Trigeminal Neuralgia?

1. 93

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   Anyone ever have Trigeminal Neuralgia?
   
   My husband has been going through this for a couple of weeks now and none of the medications are helping. If you have had it was there a certain medication that was helpful for you?

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2. 0

   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   Hey peeples, I just looked this up, hope it helps. 
   
   Trigeminal neuralgia can be treated with antiseizure drugs such as Tegretol or Neurontin. The medications Klonopin and Depakote may also be effective and may be used in combination with other drugs to achieve pain relief. Some antidepressant drugs also have significant pain relieving effects.
   
   If medications are ineffective or if they produce undesirable side effects, neurosurgical procedures are available to relieve pressure on the nerve or to reduce nerve sensitivity.
   
   Some patients report having reduced or relieved pain by means of alternative medical therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, self-hypnosis, or meditation.

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3. 60

   Sphinxs Sanctumposted 11 years ago

   I don't personally have this but my uncle has been diagnosed with this after having Severe pain in his face & mouth since his teens.  He has been to dentists, oral surgeons, Neurologist, etc... & has tried every drug on the market that is said to be helpful in treating the symptoms, without relief thus far.  Something that I found interesting is that many years ago, when I was having some dental work done, the oral surgeon told me that I had the longest, most twisted roots and canals he'd ever seen!  I was told this again by a dentist not long ago.  Then my uncle went for some dental work & he too was told nearly the exact same words!  I have extreme sensitivity in my mouth & if I have a tooth hurting for any reason it causes my nose to run, my ear to hurt, a sore throat & headaches!  I'm starting to wonder if it's more about the overall genetic build of our teeth & root system.
   I pray your husband finds some relief as I've seen the agony my uncle goes through.

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4. 60

   windygreenposted 11 years ago

   My sister in law has trigeminal neuralgia
   she had to have surgery about 9 or 10 years ago....
   
   now she has spasms when 1 of two things happens ... she gets hit in a certain spot on her face.
   
   or the wind and/or cold hits her face .... (she wears a scarf to prevent this on cold or windy days)
   
   so she has it to a usually managable condition that rarely causes problems... but when it does .. she is unable to function for a few days.  She takes percacets (sp?)
   when she has an attack.

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5. 92

   My Bellposted 9 years ago

   Hi Peeples - I actually have (had) trigeminal neuralgia. I was diagnosed with it in January 2013 and then had the MVD surgery (essentially brain surgery) October 2013 that has relieve all of my pain and allowed me to get off the medicines. Tegretol worked the best for me, as far as managing the horrible pain, but the side effects were intolerable. I also took Trileptal before that and the side effects for that drug were even worse. I had episodes of being "tripped out" on that drug, having hallucinations and the like. Both drugs made me feel like a zombie, made my memory practically disappear and just overall, I couldn't function while I was on them. Plus they didn't always control the pain and I had to continuously up my dose every couple of weeks to try to chase the pain. I am in the process of writing a hub on my trigeminal neuralgia experience that I hope will help others.

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6. 72

   Lezleyposted 9 years ago

   I have had trigeminal neuralgia since 1989. I have had 3 brain surgeries and every medication you can take. The gamma knife procedure worked best on me. I would consider a good anti-depressant, that does stimulate the brain to being able to handle the pain. I have an article about my experience. Please read it and if you have questions, I will be happy to help. Tell your husband that I am sorry he is so ill. Make sure he gets attention if showing signs of depression. This disease is the "suicide disease" and there is nothing more painful.

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