ATN procedure success?

Hi all,

I've been on a zillion combos of trileptal, lamictal and gabapentin and had an MVD. No luck yet. My neuro refuses to prescribe anything other than the above meds, or suggest gamma knife. (which doesn't work for ATN). Has anyone had any kind of procedure and had results? I know other things exist and I'm willing to try anything. I'd appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

Why do you say that Gamma Knife doesn't work for ATN?

There are multiple studies that says it does with ATN and in fact has better outcomes than MVD. Hopefully you haven't been influenced by the pro MVD internet crowd. There is no substitute for real medical advice as opposed to "educated opinion"

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17467919

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202097/

I originally went for gamma knife. A fiesta MRI showed an artery on the nerve that my neuro missed so I went for the MVD. It definitely helped the stabbing pain. I know gamma knife is still an option, was told by the center that I may not get the relief I’m looking for. I’ve researched other procedures & just wanted opinions from people who tried them.

The MVD I had on my right side relieved the shocks, but the burning boring pain returned within 6 months. My neurosurgeon suggested a peripheral nerve stimulator implant to manage the pain. I had that implanted eight months post op , in August 2013, and it has been an excellent tool to manage my pain. I no longer take any medication.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Christine

I see that you are in NY. My neurosurgeon is in Long Island!
Christine

Hi Christine, I have a few questions for you regarding your PNS implant. I am going to have this procedure in about 6 weeks- I am VERY hopeful. I tried to send you a private message, but it looks like we have to be friends! (Request sent.) I've seen several of your posts on this site but have some specific questions to the actual outpatient surgery, time to relief, etc. Thank you, by the way, for being so willing to talk with folks from this site about your experience. I see that you often respond to people and offer to answer questions - that's incredibly helpful. Looking forward to speaking with you!

Stacia


Christine said:

The MVD I had on my right side relieved the shocks, but the burning boring pain returned within 6 months. My neurosurgeon suggested a peripheral nerve stimulator implant to manage the pain. I had that implanted eight months post op , in August 2013, and it has been an excellent tool to manage my pain. I no longer take any medication.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Christine

I had gamma knife on Thursday of last week (March 3). I am still having discomfort -- I understand that it may take 6-8 weeks to see full results. My neurosurgeon said that mine is somewhere between typical and atypical ... in other words, signs of both. I have a blood vessel touching the nerve, plainly visible on an MRI. But he suggested gamma knife, then MVD if needed. So I wait ...

HI Stacia,
I got your friend request. Please feel free to ask me any questions!
Christine



sloane said:

Hi Christine, I have a few questions for you regarding your PNS implant. I am going to have this procedure in about 6 weeks- I am VERY hopeful. I tried to send you a private message, but it looks like we have to be friends! (Request sent.) I’ve seen several of your posts on this site but have some specific questions to the actual outpatient surgery, time to relief, etc. Thank you, by the way, for being so willing to talk with folks from this site about your experience. I see that you often respond to people and offer to answer questions - that’s incredibly helpful. Looking forward to speaking with you!

Stacia


Christine said:

The MVD I had on my right side relieved the shocks, but the burning boring pain returned within 6 months. My neurosurgeon suggested a peripheral nerve stimulator implant to manage the pain. I had that implanted eight months post op , in August 2013, and it has been an excellent tool to manage my pain. I no longer take any medication.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Christine

Good luck…I hope it helps you!


CindyLou said:

I had gamma knife on Thursday of last week (March 3). I am still having discomfort – I understand that it may take 6-8 weeks to see full results. My neurosurgeon said that mine is somewhere between typical and atypical … in other words, signs of both. I have a blood vessel touching the nerve, plainly visible on an MRI. But he suggested gamma knife, then MVD if needed. So I wait …