Hi Stephanie,

I think I have typical TN as you explained to me the difference. In 2008, I have acquired this symptom, and have no idea how I got it. During that time, I was struggled with pain on my right side of my face. I felt shock and zap on my face. The frequency can happen anywhere from 1 minute to 1 hr, and it could last from 1 day to 1 week. It was an horrible experience for me or anyone who has to gothrough this. I have suffered this pain for about 3 years or more.

I done treatments like acupuncture for about 1 year(didn't help), take medication for 2 years(didn't help). All these treatments didn't help me at all. The pain still persisted so finally after 3 years later , I went to see a specialist and he said I was diagnosed with TN. I did more research and find out if I could get rid of the pain by having a surgery.

At the time, I felt the best option for me was having surgery. I was tiring of taking medication so I decide to have the surgery for MVD decompression at John Hopkins. I was crying for joy after the surgery, and for the first time I felt pain-free. It was a trying moment for me when my family took me home from the hospital.

Fast forward today, I have been pain-free post surgery. However, sometimes I still feel afraid my pains will come back again. I may be pain free today but still feel tightness around my forehead, and eyebrow...

To those of you having TN, please check for various options to seek pain-free. It's not hopeless, and you can get help like me.