Is there a definitive test for a TN diagnosis? I read the blogs and see that most people are tested for MS, Lupus, tumors and various other conditions. We have MRIs, MRAs, scans, probes and other tests to rule out various conditions. And then it seems that when there isn't a definitive diagnosis for one of those other conditions and our symptoms match those of TN, we are then handed the TN diagnosis.
But here is my question - is there a scan, image or test of some sort that confirms the TN diagnosis, or is this just the default conclusion when everything else is ruled out? If there is no definitive test for TN, then what tests have you had to rule all the other possibilities that could cause our kind of pain?
Your input would be appreciated.
Leslie
Hi leslie, as far as i know there is no test that can tell u have tn. but the tn symptoms are very cut and dry. there is only a hand full of things that can cause these symptoms so they rule out everything else and then you know you have tn. i've been tested for m.s. and also brain tumors. sometimes they can do an mri and actually see a blood vessel on the trigeminal nerve if they see tht then they know you have tn. but often you cant see it on the scan. they dont know if thts the cause until they go in for an mvd. i've had 2 mvd's both failed 1 rfa and 1 round of gamma knife. and im still in a tun of pain all the time. i hope i could answer your questions if you have anymore feel free to contact me
Hi Leslie,
Amanda is correct, there is no definitive test they've developed as yet. Hopefully one day they will do so, but not yet. Diagnosis today is determined mostly by the symptoms you describe, be as graphic as you need to be and do so without emotion is easier for the doctors. Diagnosis is often confirmed once the doctor prescribes you tegretol, as if Tegretol is then effective - they confirm their diagnosis that way.
An MRI should always be performed as Amanda has stated as it does rule out other potential causes for TN type pains, and in regarding the MVD - it has usually got a high success rate for type I TN but some unfortunate results such as Amanda's do happen often enough, where the pain remains after the MVD sadly, I'm sorry to hear of this Amanda!!
I've got to go out now, but we're all here to answer any questions you have - please let us know, and always remember there is no such thing as a silly or wrong question - the only silly questions are the ones you do not ask.
Best wishes for a pain free day,
Kerry
Thank you both for your input. I am trying to get educated about this very odd condition. Thankfully, my first "episode" with this condition seems to be going into remission (after 4 very long weeks). I haven't had any medication in 2 days, and I feel almost human again. I received a TN diagnosis from an ENT specialist. I know I need to go to nuerologist next, but I have decided that I will wait since this seems to be headed toward remission. I also had a bad dental experience a few months back, so I am wondering if I could be experiencing these symptoms as a result of nerve damage caused by a badly placed novacain shot. I am not sure if there is a test to distinguish between the two because apparently the symptoms are very similar: I had the "electric" pains on and off during the day, and then a constant pain at night - every night.
I really need to go to a neurologist. I doubt any in my area have experience with TN, so I was thinking about making the 3 hour drive to see someone at a univeristy research hospital. Just procrastinating now because my pain has (thankfully) diminished.
Amanda - I am sorry to hear that you have been through so much -and without relief. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Give that big old dog of yours a squeeze of love. It looks like a lab, and they have such a good sense for people's emotions. I hope he/she brings you joy and brightens a tough day.
Kerry - thanks for your two cents too. I haven't tried Tegretol, but will ask for it if/when the pain returns. They had me on Lortab, which I understand is habit forming. (although it's hard to form a habit when I can't keep it down becuase it upsets my stomach so bad!)
Leslie