Hi,

Yes, absolutely get another opinion - get several! Definitely get another neurologist - there are lots of other meds to be tried and why is this one not sending you to a neurosurgeon? I would think if your MRI shows a cyst you should definitely talk to some neurosurgeons, too. I say multiple because if surgery is going to be an option you want to have someone you're comfortable with and confident in - interview several.

To learn more about TN and neuropathic face pain, read the sticky threads at the top of the forum and the links they contain -
Useful Websites and Tips for Newcomers - that will give you a crash course. Then get a copy of Striking Back! The Trigeminal Neuralgia and Face Pain Handbook by George Weigel (former TN sufferer) and Ken Casey, M.D., a neurosurgeon who specializes in treating face pain. You can order it from the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (who publishes it) by calling 800-923-3608 or 352-331-7009 (Gainesville, FL) or by visiting their website at www.tna-support.org (books available at https://www.tna-support.org/storefro...ducts.asp?id=2).

You can search this forum for Lyrica to find others who have tried it and their experience. It's fairly new and there are lots of other meds out there for TN that have good track records. Many have had good pain control and fewer side effects with Trileptal or Neurontin.

Best to you and let us know how you make out.

Jean