New classifications fromFacial Pain Association
http://fpa-support.org/classificatio...c-facial-pain/


It's going to take me awhile to say TNP....I don't know why the word "atypical" is such an issue. To me the word "atypical" means it is not the typical classification. I do know it hurts horribly and each day is a struggle.

I am so confused about ATypical TN or typical TN. Is there really a difference?

Steve,
I was diagnosed as having Atypical Odontalgia..I get pain in my bottom canine tooth and jaw..That is what I think they call Atypical TN..?It is a constant ache. I know that Typical TN is shocks and zaps that aren't constant..And there are some surgeries that can be tried for Typical TN..My Atypical Odontalgia can only be controlled with medication..It doesnt matter to me what they call it ..it is pain....What kind of pain do you have? Hopefully our pain is manageble Take care..
Stephanie

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.

Hello Steve
I'm glad to hear surgery has helped you be painfree..I can understand how you can become anxious about the pain coming back.For Atypical Odontalgia surgery isnt recommended..Just medications.. I took Amitriptyline for about 9 months and I stopped taking it and the pain was gone...I too was scared the pain would come back..Just a month or so ago I got a bad cold and ear ache..And my pain came back..So Im dealing with it again...But It isnt unbearable so far...I hope you are still doing well....

My take on this is that few, if anyone, are using the new classifications.
When I go to other Trigeminal neuralgia boards, most are just using the terms very generally like we are here:

TN: very bad, electrical like pain/ shocks that tend to come and go. Can be very frequent. Sometimes, perhaps often, surgery can provide a cure.

ATN: bad, often very bad, boring or stabbing pain that is constant. Rarely can surgery provide a cure.

I have ATN that came after dental work. Medication is helpful.

Congratulations Steve!!!!