Can you have both type 1 and type 2 TN? I used to have just type 1 tn but things have worsen and now i have migrainous neuralgia where the migraines come and go in clusters but there is this constant heaviness, burning sensation under my eyes. It feels like someone has poured concrete into my eye sockets and my head feels so heavy. I still get the spontaneous attacks which last approx 4 seconds. I feel silly describing this out loud but i cant seem to make any sense of it.
Hi Betty,
I can only speak of my own experience but I started TN with the classic symptoms, electric shocks, with triggers that would set it off. Once on meds my breakthrough pain presents as what everyone refers too as TN 2, constant boring pain, ice pick in the ear etc.
In my case my TN has worsened and I think the TN 2 is end stage TN where it gets harder and harder to control the pain with meds.
I know that if I were to be off all meds my TN would once again present as TN 1. It continuously has done that. I think the meds in my case are controlling the electric shock like aspect of TN.
Just my opinion…
Don’t feel silly, we all use sometimes hilarious descriptions…my most recent was telling my mom it felt like tiny dwarves were in my mouth each with a wrench twisting my teeth and hammering away. Lol
This is a safe place where we can discuss freely our feelings and lean on each other for support and knowledge.
I don’t think there really is a text book case of TN as you read others stories…
(( hugs))
I have both TN1 and TN 2, I started with the lightning strikes, then added the teeth pain and the boring ear pain, and I occasionally get the feeling that there is an ice pick in my eardrum. I also get migraines and have been having quite a few lately, the weather changes are really causing some issues.
As for description, there is no wrong answer, we all have funny little sayings etc, it helps you cope and putting this into words for someone who doesnt have it is nearly impossible.
I posted on facebook the other night this update.....I am standing on my deck smoking a cigarette and there is lightning all over...if I get hit with it will I know it or think its TN?
I use humor for everything
wendy
To echo others responses, yes you can have both. I suggest a reading of our featured page on Trigeminal Neuralgia. There is a link at the top of the home page.
Regards, Red
thank you Mimi and Wendy for your sympathic words :) I know I am not alone when I am on this site.
Red, thank you for the reference. I will certainly have a read as I have found it difficult to gather the information i need from the internet.
I have been wondering the same thing. I was diagnosed with type 1 on my right side. I am on Tegretol ER200. Suddenly I feel a tingling sensation on the left side of my face. There were no symptoms there initially. Can't get in to see my neurologist until the 15th so I am on the edge of my seat.
Tingling can be a precursor to development of either Type 1 or Type 2 pain, Christine. But it doesn't have to be. The symptom itself is called "parasthesia" and it is roughly equivalent to "displaced or unusual sensation" [my personal term]. For more info, run the term "bilateral" in our search window, or join the group which addresses bilateral face pain. It's more common than generally taught in med schools. And don't let ANYBODY tell you that you have "atypical face pain" because there is a combination of pain on one side and displaced sensation on the other. Atypical face pain is a garbage diagnosis that means little more than "pain I don't understand".
Regards, Red
I have both Tn1, with the electric shocks that come and go, and I have TN2, a constant throbbing. If I remember correctly, I just started with the electric shocks and as time went on, the throbbing came. ( I still get the shocks, also.) The last year, I have started having pain in the side of my head, behind my ear. It feels like my head is going to explode! I also get boring, ice pick type pain in my ear and my eye.
It is so nice to be able to describe your pain on here and people know exactly what you are talking about. Most people just look at you like you are crazy. (those that don't have TN.)
Hope you are feeling okay today.
Blessings to you!
Thanks to all. For as much as I can I am going to stay one step ahead of this monster in terms of medications and treatments. I am looking at neurosurgeons here in Indy and found one on the website. Our friend Dixie is having her surgery on the 15th and has encouraged me to have my ducks in a row. I intend to do just that. This thing we have is a monster and Karen, I had the little dwarfs in my jaw as well....some might think I was crazy!
Feeling well today.
Chris