Hi Moog,

Sorry you are afflicted so, but I understand fully - you and I are in the same boat. I have classic TN caused by an arterial knot round my left Trigeminal Nerve. For some strange, undiagnosed, reason I also have constant Neuropathic Facial Pain/Paresthesia, left side, from forehead to jawline. Due to idiot Neuros, I went 10 years without proper diagnosis.

Because I also suffer chronic Cluster Headaches, those are treated as a priority with Topiramate (Topamax). One side effect is a reduction in my facial pains of about 25%. The numbness is still extremely aggravating and the pain, at it's worse is a 6-7, but it is bearable. The terrible side effects of the meds are easier to deal with than the pain and ease with time - well, they become tolerable.

Surgery is not an option for me, I have a bad heart, but that could be something to look at aftet you have exhausted all medication options.

Dave.