Quote:
Originally Posted by Cerridwen35
I began suffering left-sided ON in January 2007. Luckily, I had a diagnosis relatively soon afterward. I've undergone pain medication, chiropractic manipulation (standard and a type called NUCCA), nerve injections, cryoanalgesia & a radio frequency procedure. I'm now scheduled to undergo a trial neuro-stimulator inserted at the base of the occipital nerve. I actually had this done about 1 1/1 years ago, but I don't really remember the outcome too much. I don't think it was very helpful and the stimulator caused an area behind my left-ear to become inflamed.
Besides the above procedures, has anyone undergone any other procedures I'm missing. I know enough to understand that cutting the nerve is a last option as it can cause more pain than helping. I'm just looking for any alternative. My pain is no longer just affecting the occipital nerve. It's spread to nerves that travel over my left ear, down my forehead, along the left side of my nose and under my left eye. I have no idea what the names of all of these nerves are.
Any suggestions, no matter how strange, would be appreciated. I would be happy to explain any of the above procedures I've had to anyone needing more information. Thanks!
|
I undergo nerve blocks regularly for ON. The times that my pain doctor has hit the nerve directly, the medication has traced the nerve. In my case, one of the 2 ON extends to my forehead and temple area. The auricular nerve is the one that goes around the ear. These only bring temporary relief though. I have heard of others doing botox with good temporary results, and RFA but those are only temporary too, and from what I've read, they can make the pain worse when the nerves regenerate. My pain doc has suggested it to me on several occasions and he indicated that the pulsed radio frequency is better than the standard one they use. Given that your getting anothe trial at the stimulator, I'd say go for it and hope for the best. Did you find that your pain was worse than before after the nerve regenerated from the ablation?