[Hello Beth
I know just how you feel as I had Trigemal neuralgia for 5 yrs. before the doctors figured out what it was. Then it was 3 yrs of God awful drugs
until my Dr found a neuro surgen that purformed an operation that put teflon pads between the tri geminal nurve and a vessel that was causeing all my problems(it was called mirovascular decompression surgery).. The minute I awoke from surgery I knew it was all over with and now on to a wonderful life.

Find a good neuro surgen!

read up on any drug they want you to take,you have the right to refuse !

good luck
icvmcjuju

I am so happy that the procedure worked and you are pain free!! Only someone
who has experienced the pain first hand can truly understand. I have to say my doctor has been great....at my first visit she was 95% sure it was TN.....The Lyrica seems to be working for me so far. Attacks not as frequent But, than I can have 5 good days and two days of horrible attacks. I would suggest to anyone to speak to their doctor about the medicince CAMBIA.....it has been a great help!!

I am so sorry if I don't have this reply in the right spot. I'm have just started and how this works is greek to me.I think you're the person that replied to my post about the MD surgery. I was asking about it and you said it worked for you. I wanted to ask if mine could be a-typical because it started out with the lightening bolts about 5 years ago also. Now I still have the bolts when I touch my face or blow my nose etc. It has gone from that to hurting (burning) even after the bolts. I'm not sure if you could have had these symptoms. I'm really leaning toward the MD surgery but read it's works best on the a-typical symptoms. I have an consolation appt and trying to gather up questions I can ask. I know everyone on here would be able to help me out. Thanks again and I'm hoping you could answer some of these questions for me.

I've heard many times that the MVD surgical procedure only tends to work with typical tN and rarely will work with ATN symptoms.

I've also heard that John Hopkins is a very good hospital for the MVD procedure, but of course, there are other excellent places to go.

I developed ATN after dental work. My very painful symptoms are ongoing and so far it looks like they might be permanent. I went to a good neurologist. We tried many prescriptions. Either they didn't work, worked partially or they caused very bad side effects. I now use a compounded cream that I rub on my face where the dental work was done and this has helped me.

There are different procedures out there, but they all have risks associated with them.

As well as here, a very good website to go to is: www.livingwithtn.org. A good book to read is called: "Striking Back"

Wishing you much less pain, very very soon!

I had surgery at John Hopkins for my TN. Ever since than I have been pain free. I totally agree with you John Hopkins is good at treating patient with TN.