I had an MVD in 2003 after dealing with TN for 6 yrs. I had about 6 marvellous painfree months before it came back (although with a slightly different profile). I couldnt bear the thought of going through it again and managed with a steadily increasing dose of tegretol. By this summer I was up to 14 tegretol per day and just couldnt cope anymore. About a month ago I had a Radio Frequency Rhizotomy. I read everything I could get my hands on in advance and so was aware of the dangers. Now I have AD (partial numbness and severe itchiness on the TN side of the face) but, after the real pain of TN - I wouldnt call it "pain" - it's one heck of an annoyance but I would take this anytime over the 'little devil' I lived with for so long that gave me those shocks.