Hi there Sonia and Panicked,
Have either of you had MRIs or other tests which show a cause for your dx. I have a knot of arteries tied round my Trigeminal Nerve - left side - causing chronic paresthesia, neurological facial pain and TN. A proper dx of the root cause is essential for the treatment of all of these conditions.
Panicked, I would suggest you also Post your whole history on our Dental Forum as this was the trigger. You may find answers there.
Sonia, I do not know about Botox as a treatment, I would feel the same as you as to ending up looking 'plastic'.
I would point both of you in the direction of nasal Lidocaine spray which is known to give instant relief from an attack.
To both of you, suffering this sort of excruciating facial pain is miserable, debilitating and seemingly endless. Know that there are people here who understand your pain and can offer support.

Dave.

I've gone to ativan rather than the gabapentin. Not as much of a hangover and easier to control. Prednisone in small doses to help with the symptoms that go beyond the need for pain med. good luck

Tricyclic anti-depressants such as Nortriptyline can be very helpful with Atypical type pain

BOTOX WORKS! I get 100 units of Botox and markaine every 3 months, and it stops the burning and dull pain. I get around 20 shots on the side of face of nerve damage in the neck, face, jaw and scalp.

Welcome kdockx23.

Hi kdockx23,

Botox has only been shown to 'work' on Idiopathic TN in small clinical trials and for a short time before needing repeat treatment. Continued use increases the risk of facial weakness from this nerve toxin.

While I am pleased you get some relief, I would like to hear your history, how damage occurred and what other treatments you tried before opting for this radical course.

Dave.

Isn't that Geniculate neuralgia ? Sounds same place as my pain