Hi there, HejHog - I like the name I rarely post in here due feeling that I really don't belong here - and feel a little ashamed since my pain is not yet anything like you and others have described. My pain is totally concentrated in my right ear and the immediate surrounding area. There is another name for my disorder - Geniculate Neuralgia. Three doctors have all diagnosed atypical TN, but thanks to Jean's post I am almost certain the Geniculate is the correct diagnosis - just a different nerve group, and supposedly even more rare than the TN - and perhaps harder to treat. I have suffered from "earaches" for about 7 -8 years now and finally got all the ear infections, and other possiblilities out of the way after two MRI scans on my head. My pain is very sporadic - will go 3 months at a time without it. Then all of a sudden I may have 2 -3 in one week. I realize this is nothing compared to yours. My pain starts out light, and then gradually intensifies to ice pick jabs and constant burning, boring pain at the same time. Matter of fact, I am having an episode right now. Since my attacks are so sporadic, I only take the carb pills when I have an attack. I just chewed my 100 mg tablet here at work, hoping it won't make me sleepy - but mostley hope that it helps the pain. Hurts to open my mouth or smile, or turn my head to the left - makes my 50 mile interstate commute a real pain! But you know all that and more - whenever I have an episode like this I am just thankful that for now the pain is at least tolerable. Anyway, I just wanted to say hello and how sorry I am that you had a reason to find this website. I hope you and everyone here get some relief today.

Rhonda