When I first had TN about a year ago I had attacks. Then pain became constant with a variety of triggers. Now I have the ear pain. Just attacks at first but almost all day every day now. It is insanely painful at night with tooth pain as well. I went to the dentist a couple of days ago and he insists my teeth are fine. Anybody else with this?? Espescially at night. I take the Tegretol generic (1600 throughout the day) and Gabapentin (600) at bedtime. I really don't know how much longer I can take this! If I don't have this I have unbearable headaches. Any suggestions?
The headaches might be migraine rather than TN. If they are, then you should be tried on Indocin or one of the more recent migraine meds. In the absence of conclusive imaging to demonstrate or confirm abscesses, the most likely diagnosis for the tooth pain is trigeminal neuralgia or neuropathy, non-dental in origin. You may wish to talk with your neuro about being tried on one of the tricyclic antidepressant drugs (Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, others) which have a cross action against trigeminal neuropathic pain and Type II TN.
Regards and best
R.A."Red" Lawhern, Ph.D.
Hi Tia,
I'm so sorry to see you suffering like this. Ugh. Who ever imagined a pain like TN?
It sounds like your meds. aren't really doing their job. I hate going to the doctor and drag my feet every time I need to see mine, but I wonder if it might help to see your doctor and figure out different medications?
Feel free to write me anytime. :)
~ Vicki