I am curious of the frequencies in TN or ATN attacks... I seem to get the pain in patterns lastign for few weeks but the episodes only come every 3 months. This infrequency has lead some of my docs to question if it is TN or "idiopathic pain syndrome" with TN likeness. Either way- it hurts bad, as in eating dinner one minute then off to the ER within 2 hours of the attack.
I am going bonkers.. I already have fibro, connective tissue issues and three types of chronic migraine. I cannot handle this sporadically popping up. Plus I just moved across the country so I have yet to establish a local doc.
I will just briefly "chime-in" here; as my reply most probably won't make you feel any better...
I have Type1 TN on the left side of my face-diagnosed as such in 4/08. My pain-shocks come "out-of-the-Blue" and last for about 4 months. My "Facial-Tasers" will then slowly ebb for about a month and then (so far) I'll have 2 months of relative peace. During those times, I never want to get too emotional about anything or speak authoritatively. I've become totally withdrawn due to facial pain that strikes with an intensity which I never knew existed.
Idiopathic Pain Syndrome is a meaningless garbage label, not a diagnosis. It can be regarded as equivalent to "damned if I know what this is". In answer to your question, and echoing some of what Rick said, yes it is possible to get TN or ATN attacks every few months, with remissions of pain between them. What meds are you on at present, please? And specifically what treatments are you receiving for migraine versus TN pain?
I do think there is something to the idopathic pain syndrome in some instances- basically it is an aknowledgement of pain existing, yet for unknown reasons. I can't think that a doctor is all knowing- there are several things I am sure are yet to be discovered by doctors.
In any event, I do get these attacks every three months. I am not receiving any treatment for TN due to the stretched out pattern. It would be hard to be on a prophylactic and endure those side effects during the unwanted three months between attacks. I have bacofen and valium I keep on hand for my fibro and insomnia, so I will take those during a TN attack and it helps about 30%. If it gets horribly bad and my norco fails, then I go to the er for dilaudad. I am on lyrica 25mg for fibro also.
I have noticed that when I get my neck adjusted at the chiro, it may set it off at times...though, the adjustment helps my cervicogenic migraines.