I have suffered from TN for about 4 years and about 1 1/2 years ago have the Gamma Knife surgery in Birminghan, AL with no success. I originally went ther to try and find out about the Alcohol shot to the face. A friend had it done there about 10 years ago and has had no pain or side effects since. Unfortunately the doctor that treated him has passed away and I can find no one that can tell me anything about this least invasive treatment for TN. Does anybody out there know anything about the Alcohol shot to the face?

do you meen a nerve block???????????

No, not a nerve block but just a simple alcohol shot to the side of the face. My friend said that some pain reaccured about 4 weeks later and he went back for another shot and has had NO pain since and that has been almost 10 years ago.

Sorry cant be of help I dont know about that one. BUT if you or when you have one PLEASE LET US KNOW ABOUT IT. I have heard of nerve blocks and botox but not that one.So keep us posted
Thanks many low pain wishes and all the best!
PEACE
BMW

Hi Cwanal1,
I am uncertain whether you are describing an alcohol or glycerol injection through the face into the area where the trigeminal nerve branches (in the skull), or whether you are describing a peripheral nerve block. I have personally had a peripheral nerve block, but with lidocaine and steroids.
I Have been reading "Striking Back - The Trigeminal Neuralgia and Face Pain Handbook", and both of these procedures are described.
You can order it through the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association website, which I can't post a link to, becuase I am new, but just google "TNA-support"
I have found this website really helpful. I am considering surgery, and can't imagine making that decision without this book.
This is not a solicitation of any sort, this is just how I got myself educated on what to do next.
Best of luck on this - there are many avenues to consider.
Mylastnerve

HI cwanal1,

I believe this is what you are looking for.......

Radiofrequency Lesion or Alcohol Block

The easiest way to create a temporary lesion in the second (middle) or third (lower) branch of the nerve is to use a radiofrequency technique in which the needle is positioned in the nerve outside of the skull. An alternate method is to inject alcohol into the nerve at these sites. The disadvantage of the alcohol injection is that it is difficult to repeat because scarring develops in the nerve which prevents the alcohol from getting into the nerve on subsequent injections. The numbness associated with an alcohol injection or a radiofrequency lesion in a superficial location outside the skull usually lasts from two to 12 months. If there is satisfactory pain relief with a temporary lesion and the numbness is not unpleasant a permanent type of radiofrequency lesion can be done when the pain recurs. If the numbness was especially unpleasant because of a tingling or burning feeling in the numb area, a vascular decompression procedure could be done when the pain recurs. Alcohol injections may be used to numb the forehead, but are less effective for the first branch of the nerve than for the second or third branches.

Hope this helps Nikki