Hi. I've been lurking around for a while, but last week had the atypical neuralgia diagnosis confirmed by neurologist. I had typical TN symptoms about 9 months ago with intermitten shocks but went away. Then a month ago got severe burning, aching, throbbing in the right upper jaw/gums/teeth/nose. My PCP started me on Tegretol and thankfully that has helped 90% with tramadol. I have an MRI on thursday. I also had the onset of burning in my toes at the same time as my face, so I am concerned it isn't just an artery on my trigeminal nerve, but may actually be MS.

Can only wait and see. I am just thankful that right now the pain in controlled.
Thanks for listening!

Had the MRI/MRA. Good news is no MS.
Bad news, they didn't find the arteryto be pressing on the nerve.

Do many of you have TN with a normal MRI? I know it means it is "idiopathic"; but does that mean if it gets worse there is no chance for surgery?