does anyone out there suffer from  Trigeminal Neuralgia?
98459
Oh, ya. It hurts so bad. For three straight years I had the shooting pains of TN and a burning sensation on the whole side of my face and head. Couldn't eat, sleep, wash my face or teeth on that side, the slightest breeze would be almost unbearable. Tegretol (an anti-convulsant) worked for me pretty well, however I would still have episodes. My doctor discovered a herpes virus next to my trigeminal nerve. He put me on Acyclovir a herpes medication and I have been pain free for several months now. I do not have herpes anywhere else in my body. I hope you have a doctor that is helpful and empathetic. Only go for the surgeries as a last resort.
754144
No it is to do with your nervous system my sister-in-law had it and it is difficult, so if you have it I feel for you, God Bless
419612
I'm so sorry; it's a terribly painful condition. Your doctor will have medications, like Neuronton, that can help a lot. \n\nNot to make you feel worse, but it can take a year or two for symptoms to fade completely.
182148
Unfortunately, yes.\n\nI got braces on and for the first three days I couldn't eat at all because of the pain - I threw up everything I ate.  I walked around with my mouth half-open because if I accidentally clicked my teeth together I'd feel nauseous.\n\nEvery month at tightening time I'd end up in pain.  I finally learned to take ibuprofen about a half-hour before my appointments to stave off the pain.\n\nMy case was apparently pretty extreme but do expect at least some discomfort, especially right after getting them put on or tightened.   We must suffer to be beautiful.
830697
Hi Stephen.  I am sorry to hear about your suffering.  I have a couple of thoughts/suggestions.  \n\nFirst, have your been properly tested for vitamin B12 deficiency?  This is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy and most doctors do not know how to properly test for deficiency.  Usually doctors order a serum B12 test, however this can be normal even with deficiency.  The best laboratory tests for B12 status are serum Homocysteine and urinary Methylmalonic acid.  So, be sure this is not an issue.\n\nSecond, I would like to suggest a powerful book by Sherry Rogers, M.D.  It is called: "Pain-free in 6 Weeks".  She is an expert in environmental medicine.  In the book Dr. Rogers explains many, many causes of chronic pain that are not well understood (or even known) by most doctors.  The book is available at Amazon.com.  I highly recommend it.\n\nLast thought, how many Chiropractic evaluations have you had?  Have you ever had a neck injury (e.g. whiplash, sports injury, fall, etc.)?  It is not common, but an upper cervical subluxation could cause your symptoms.\n\nI hope this has been helpful for you.  Best wishes and good luck.
676036
Certain meds will do that to ya. I take Nasonex (for nasal allergies) and if I go out in the sun, i'm itchy as hell for hours. It sucks. I feel your pain. lol
460615
At least one of the cranial nerves is irritated.\n\nYou need to map and describe the pain, to work out which nerves they are.
730933
Demand a second opinion. Positive note I had similar symptoms for years rarely a day off. I had a brain scan, a EEG and other tests turns out I have hemiplegic migraines - very scary. I have an aura with mine - a bad taste often triggered by what I eat or smell. Gloss paint sends me off my legs for up to 2 weeks. I was investigated for having a stroke! Go back an see your Dr if symptoms don't improve and demand further tests! Have allergy/ sensitivity tests done, mine showed my triggers as being corn, melon, larger etc. I changed my diet and took FEVER FEW natural health supps and have made a fantastic recovery, with the occasional relapse. I f your symptoms are new to you and you have had no further investigations than a DR appointment, go back and demand more. Take a friend or relative with you if your reluctant to push the issue. You only have one life - enjoy it. Luv J xx
808922
I wish I could tell you how to be taken seriously about your pain.  I have had migraines, fibromyalgia and other problems from car accidents.  I just try to get from one day to the next.  I quit going to the emergency room for migraines when my daughter, now 25 was little and I was pregnant.  The nurse did not give me the anti-nausea drug with the pain med.  Narcotics only make me feel worse in the end, so I don't go there.  \n\nOn the other hand, a friend who is an ER nurse tells me that bums go in claiming to have toothaches and they get strong pain medicine which they take out and sell, then return for more. The hospital is afraid to not give for fear of being sued!  What a topsy-turvy world!\n\nI go to acupuncture and it has helped some.\nHave you tried adding extra magnesium? It helps for migraine and muscle spasms.  It isn't a cure but it does help, just not right away.
278107
I am praying none shud have this condition...usually life threatening but rare nowadays by the advent of newer antibiotics...but it must be really painfull condition and cud expect loss of sensation on one side of body..
671722
Yes I have sinusitis and my jaw also hurts when I chew, especially the left side. I also get pain around the eyes and nose.
949234
What Is It? \n \n \n\nTrigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a disorder of one of the nerves in the face that causes brief, shock-like pain, usually on one side of the jaw, cheek or mouth. This disorder involves the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve, which is responsible for sending impulses to the brain from the face, jaw, gums, forehead and the area around the eyes. \nThe cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not always known. The condition can occur as a result of multiple sclerosis, a brain tumor or another brain disease, such as an aneurysm. However, in 90% of cases, there is no serious brain disease. One widely held theory is that the problem is caused by an artery pressing on the trigeminal nerve where it exits the brain. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be done to check for a brain lesion. \n\nTrigeminal neuralgia is rarely seen in people under the age of 50. When it does occur in younger people, the cause is more likely to be a tumor, aneurysm or multiple sclerosis.\n\n \n  Symptoms \n \n \n\nTrigeminal neuralgia is characterized by a sudden, severe, electric-shock-like attack of pain on one side of the face. The pain generally lasts for several seconds to a minute and then disappears. Shaving, showering, eating, speaking or even exposure to wind can trigger a painful episode, and patients often protect the trigger zone. Trigger zones usually are found around the cheek, nose, lips or inside the mouth. When the trigger zone is inside the mouth, it often is confused with a toothache.\n\n \n  Diagnosis \n \n \n\nTrigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed based on the symptoms, including a history of characteristic pain along the trigeminal nerve. An MRI scan should be done to look for other possible conditions, such as a tumor, aneurysm or multiple sclerosis.\n\n \n  Expected Duration \n \n \n\nTrigeminal neuralgia attacks last for several seconds to a minute and then totally disappear, but they may be repeated one after another. The number of attacks can vary from one or two per day to several per minute throughout the day. Episodes of attacks can last for days, weeks or months at a time and then disappear for extended periods of time. People with severe trigeminal neuralgia can be significantly disabled by the attacks.\n\n \n  Treatment \n \n \n\nA number of drugs can help to prevent attacks, including oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Atretol, Carbatrol, Epitol), gabapentin (Neurontin) and phenytoin (Dilantin and other brand names). However, these drugs have the potential for serious side effects, and a dentist or physician should monitor their use. These medications sometimes are used in combination with other drugs, such as baclofen (Lioresal), to help achieve pain relief. Some of these medications require blood tests while you are taking them to monitor liver function and the level of the drug in your blood. \nIf medication fails to provide relief, your doctor may refer you to a neurosurgeon to talk about surgical treatment options. \n\n \n  When To Call A Professional \n \n \n\nIf you are experiencing pain characteristic of trigeminal neuralgia (electric-shock-like pain on one side of the jaw or cheek), you should see your dentist or physician immediately.\n\n \n  Prognosis \n \n \n\nTrigeminal neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition unless it is caused by a tumor, aneurysm or other brain disease. Yet, the condition can be incapacitating. However, most cases can be controlled with medication, and/or surgery. \n\n \n  Additional Info \n \n \n\nNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke \nP.O. Box 5801 \nBethesda, MD 20824 \nPhone: (301) 496-5751 \nhttp://www.ninds.nih.gov/
995555
Believe it or not, a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with painless migraines.  I recommend that you discuss this with your doctor.
160794
I am very, very sorry to hear that BillsFan...  I also have PN pretty much all over my body.  I KNOW how painful it is.  \n\nThere's a really good book that I found on PN that has really informed me of all of the mysterious causes.  Mine has also come on for no real "true" reason.  Read my other answers @ my q&a page and see if that helps.  I wish you the best of luck.
350857
I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation in 1999.  By my own personal choice I have not had the decompression surgery.  I encounter pain daily and the pressure from my cerebral spinal fluid having a blockage problem.  When there is a change in the weather that involves the barometeric pressure I can really feel that. I try not to reach for things over my head or lift heavy things as that brings about symptoms.  Feel free to email me if you want.  xyzfree2002@yahoo.com.
718359
shooting pains of the facial area around one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve, of unknown cause, but often precipitated by irritation of the affected area
999119
I have suffered migrains since I was 12 now 35. I know what you are dealing with. My mother has never had a headache. She when i was younger, thought I was trying to get out of going to school, etc. She never took it seriously. Now, I think she feels bad. Good Luck to you.