G'day from another Aussie Bill, and welcome to NeuroTalk. I'm sorry that you're going through these symptoms. It must be frustrating not to get a diagnosis that satisfies.

What you describe could be caused by a variety of conditions, Bell's Palsy, pinched nerves, shingles ... although they present more acutely than you describe, neuropathy, dental tumours, strokes, Multiple Sclerosis and even Vitamin deficiencies but don't dismiss the diagnosis your doctor suggested because your symptoms sound like they could well fit those of TN.

Please call by our TN Forum and post your concerns over there. I'm sure that one of our members will have more information than I do about it.

Here's the link : http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum26.html

Another option for you is to go to the top of any page and use the Search option. Type in the symptoms that interest you and see what other posts you can find on that topic.

I hope this helps in some way, but do feel free to ask if it's not what you seek.