Hi Diana

I hope I can help with some of your concerns. You are correct, the pain can come and go - when you are pain-free, you are able to eat and drink. When you have a bout of TN, you can barely open your mouth to drink, let alone chew anything.

When I had my first bout, I wasn't able to put make-up on my face because it hurt so much. If I were to have taken a feather and brushed it against the side of my face, the pain would have been intense. It is the most debilitating pain I have ever endured.

I had a balloon compression operation and I've been pain-free for over a year. What a blessing, as the meds were making me very groggy.

My suggestion to you would be to get your Mom in to see a neurologist. They will be able to diagnose better. In my personal opinion, it sounds as if she may have TN.

I hope you and she can find the answers you need in order to help your Mom through this very difficult time.

Kind regards,
Judy