I have been suffering from misdiagnosed trigeminal neuralgia for the past six years. Not one of my dentists, periodontists, endodontists, or oral surgeons could "see" anything...the oral surgeon even took a biopsy to see if I had Sjrogen's disease (it was negative). It was a miracle that I needed to see a Pain Management physician for lower back pain. I mentioned my jaw issue, and after a few minutes of tests, he immediately diagnosed my neuralgia. After two injections of steroids with numbing agents (one time under Propofol), there is no relief yet. I am being referred to a UCLA neurosurgeon, and after reading comments on this site, I am very encouraged and excited to make progress.

Had TN in 1998. I had TN in all 3 branches of the nerve. After trying all medications available then I decided on an MVD due to its record at that time as most successful and longest acting. I was in luck. No pain, no medication since then and a talented neurosurgeon. I was 71 at that time, 83 now. It was a miracle. J. Stratton, Greensboro NC

Ask your healthcare professionals about shingles (varicella zoster). It is said that T3, T4, and the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve are the areas most commonly affected. It sounds like some people may be experiencing PHN (postherpetic neuralgia).

One Monday morning I woke up with a pain and thought it was a painful toothache, went to the dentist and still the pain could not go away. I thought it was a headache and was rushed to hospital. On the 3rd day my doctor discovered that I have trigeminal neuralgia.

Suffers, please research Gamma Knife radiological surgery. It can help eliminate the pain.

I have had this condition for about ten years now. I used the anti-epilepsy drug, carbamazine for a while. It worked well, but it made me sleepy. Then I started on the antidepressant, Effexor. It has helped me very well and I haven't had the pain in years. I hope this can help someone.

I have a recurring pain in the right side of my nose that radiates to include the area around my right eye. After seeing various specialists and having a CAT scan, MRI, and various blood tests, and taking an anti-seizure medication prescribed by a neurologist, I still have the pain, and it comes and goes. Resorting to self-treatment, I found one thing that mitigates the pain: the cold sore salve, Carmex. I take a cotton swab, place some Carmex on it, and apply it to the highest areas it will reach inside my right nostril. It helps! I hope this helps at least some co-sufferers.

2 years ago while visiting my children in NY, I was experiencing yet another bout of (so I thought)severe sinus infection. It was excruciating! I went to the ER and begged the doctor not to touch my face. I had an MRI and x-rays. He said the good news is, it's not a tumor. Here, I'm still under the impression it's another sinus infection! He said I had TN. He put me on 2 meds. The one caused me to go nuts! (Really I swear I could see and feel things crawling all over me.) I got rid of that med quick! The pain med was, Hydrocodone. It worked. The pain mercifully stopped. I haven't had any pain since. Thank Goodness! But I have had some sharp stabs of pain every now and then. So, all these wee bits of help, advice and wisdom I will certainly heed.

I have had TN for a month now and I am a 36 year old woman. My doctor prescribed me Lyrica and I am on a low dose - 300mg a day. I have been pleased in reading these reviews as I thought that there was no hope for this horrible condition. I have ringing in my ears and prickly headaches now and have just been referred to a neurologist. I have an MRI scan tomorrow and have changed my diet completely. I find noise difficult to deal with in the evening still. I hope that this review finds you in a pain free time. Keep positive! Positive thinking and having a wonderful family and friend base has kept me sane.