This can be very confusing..........Atypical TN has a constant and severe aching, boring or burning pain that is superimposed upon otherwise typical TN symptoms. Atypical TN is characterized by a unilateral, prominent constant and severe aching, boring or burning pain superimposed upon otherwise typical TN symptoms. This should be differentiated from cases of typical TN that develop a minor aching or burning pain within the affected distribution of the trigeminal nerve.

Vascular compression, as described above in typical TN, is thought to be the cause of many cases of atypical TN. Some believe atypical TN is due to vascular compression upon a specific part of the trigeminal nerve (the portio minor), while others theorize that atypical TN represents a more severe form or progression of typical TN.

Atypical TN pain can be at least partially relieved with medications used for typical TN, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol®). MVD surgery is curative for many patients with atypical TN, but not as reliably as for those with typical TN. It is also important to note that rhizotomy procedures may be effective in treating atypical TN, but are more likely to be complicated by annoying or even painful numbness (i.e. deafferentation pain).

1mg of Klonopin nightly greatly reduces my pain.

Tried:

Carbamazepine
Lyrica (never again)
Neurontin (never again)
Amitrypalin (never again)

It's Rx'd off label and a google search shows many TN suffers use it. Since I've been taking it >1 yr I don't get a "buzz" from it and not sickness like Lyrica/Neurontin

Hi I was taking 1mg of Klonipin twice a day until I had to switch gps. IT worked wonders for me also but after I switched gps no one and I mean NO ONE would prescribe it because it's a benzo. I ended up going thru the most horrible withdrawel I have ever experienced!! I had been on a 100mcg Fentanyl Patch for 2 or 3yrs and I stopped it last Feb. I never had any problems withdraweling from it but the Klonipin Oh yeah! It was a very and protracted event. I started my withdrawel back at the beginning of Oct. and went thru it until the middle of Jan. I still have some bad days here and there. While I loved how much it helped me it was like a miracle for me, I will not put myself in a situation like that again where I need a certain drug for pain and no one is willing to prescribe it. I was just expected to suck it up and go cold turkey. Who cares about your atypical pain anyways!!

I still use klonopin, but I don't use it every day because its addicting. I'm using it on top of other meds for TN and I don't use it for more than three days straight. It has continued to work for me but I did have to increase the dose from where I started from. I've been doing this for over three years now, FWIW.

I was prx clonazepam for the anxiety brought on by the TN. The psy. nurse I saw wanted me taking 5mg 2X/day but I got too tired. I now take 2.5mg at night but I've started and stopped it many times (no withdrawls). I did notice that when I stopped using it my pain seemed increased during the day but I was unaware that it's actually prx to treat TN pain. I've always used it to treat my anxiety. Interesting.

FWIW, I still use it and I mostly do so when the burning pain increases or gets out of hand. It knocks the constant burning down a couple of notches. If you haven't already done so, you should order the book "Striking Back" from the TNA's website or check your library for it. There is a lot of good info in there regarding treatment, etc. and just everything TN.

I have been suffering from ATN for a couple of months before it was diagnosed so, after that I was on antidepressant medication for a few months which gave only a small amount of relief. My work is connected with speaking, so you can imagine the ordeal I was going through. I read a lot of stuff about this condition everywhere and I found the remedy that helped in many cases and eventually in mine too. Which is heating. I bought heating patches in the pharmacy and i applied on my forehead above the left brow and above the temple each time I went out. I got relief after the first hour. Months of pain are now like sad past. I don't know if it helps in all cases, but it worked in mine.

I have nerve pain following weird (for lack of a better word) dental procedures. They are atypical as to TN. I have lots of ear pain, for example.
Lyrica is somewhat helpful.
I don't like the side effects.
Has anyone's ad good luck with Trileptal for atypical TN?

Hey there. I noticed you are in a job where speaking is regular. I have the same thing. Back in August of 2014 I began experiencing a shocking, electric sensation in my upper left gums on the palate side. It only hurt when I spoke. I believe it was caused by a medication interaction that apparently has no interactions though. What do your symptoms feel like? Has the medicine made you feel okay? I was prescribed neurontin 300 mg and was told to take it once before bed. I will be trying it in a few weeks as I am hesitant about using medicine.

Hello rtmc,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

I just wanted to mention that the poster you were quoting only posted once and that was back in 2012 so they may not ever see your reply.