Well, the verdict is in....after several years worth of meds & procedures on my right side, my neuro informed me yesterday that I am one of the 5% of TN patients that have it show up on the opposite side! ARGH!!

Dilantin, here I come....*sigh*

I'm really sorry to hear this. If its any consolation, I have it on both sides as well. This really @&$%#!!

I have been on a number of wild meds over the years, been through three procedures....on the right side of my face....got this all down to a dull roar.

NOW THE MONSTER HAS DECIDED TO RAVAGE THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD!

Ugh. Sorry to hear that. I really hate being "special" when it comes to health concerns.
I was diagnosed 3 years ago, starting with v1. My pain was thankfully WAY mild - small zings above the left eye with a dull headache starting at 3 pm everyday. All triggered by brushing my bangs out off my forehead.
Controlled by a small dose of Lamictal. Transfered down to v2, and now seems to have hit the other side with the right eye area. Goody.

I am again thankful that for now my TN actually appears to be in the pre-emergent stage. In fact I wonder if its actually more like Atypical face Pain. I feel foolish calling it TN when it (currently) has no debilitating pain. Years ago I suffered occaisionally with Occipital Neuralgia and that was no picnic. If that lighting pain starts on my face with no warning (the occipital was for me stress-based) then I would indeed consider Gamma Knife.

So, have a mild form, started with v1 at age 46, and now appears to be bilateral to boot. Not sure the future is too rosy, but will keep taking care of myself and hope for the best.

Same to all of you. My concerns seem so minor after reading the stories on the various forums.