You might want to check out the Facial Pain Association, fpa-support.org. There is a lot of info on Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) on that site. MVD (Micro-vascular Decompression) surgery is used in "typical" TN to move/pad a vein that is wrapped around the trigeminal nerve and rubbing against the nerve. In a large number of TN cases (typical/TN1), the vein irritates the never, causing the facial pain.
With MS, the normal cause of the facial pain is related to plaques in the brain that irritate the trigeminal nerve. An MRI is required to rule out a vein compression, tumors etc. There is a "Trigeminal Protocol MRI" using very thin slices to attempt to see vein compression; however, it is not 100% accurate.
If meds no longer work in controlling the TN, the surgical procedures I listed in my post can be considered. My post is an attempt to find more people with actual experience with Balloon Compression etc. for TN with MS.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dmplaura
I'm also diagnosed with both MS and Trigeminal Neuralgia. I take Klonopin + Cesamet and had to discontinue many types of birth control methods that threw my hormones out of whack and triggered TN attacks (both typical and atypical type attacks - I'm affected on both sides).
My doctors are aware of these attacks, but they've not suggested surgery. The medications for the most part keep things in check, but I do have occasional breakthrough moments of pain.
You mention that MVD (correct me if I'm wrong with the acronym) isn't available for those with MS. Why is this, or was this one doctor's opinion?
I'm curious myself as this is a symptom that is quite dominant in my own case of MS, unfortunately I don't have much info to offer on the surgery side, only the medications and choices (birth control cessation primarily) which have helped me.
I hope you can find some answers to your questions and concerns.  |