I have trigeminal neuralgia AND atypical face pain. After 15 years of trials of medications, three surgeries and a lot of lost quality of life I got a pump. Although I am still having issues, 80% of my pain is under control. I would say ask ONLY people with the pump or have HAD one if you want to get your best answer. People who know someone or say its bad for your body and life...? Well, walk in my shoes for the 15 years before and the 5 after and access the situation. I don't spend much time on the board but I did in my earlier pain years...I was always looking for the best, the newest...there were only three or four people on this board back then but I am happy to see a lot more good information here. I am not as eloquent as I once was but I am almost pain free. Life is good.