Hi,
New member. I joined to learn and hear the experience of others. My father-in-law has been suffering with TN for several years now. He has been taking meds (not sure exactly what he is taking and what dosage) in an attempt to keep things under control but it seems to be affecting him in negative ways. He seems increasingly out of it as of late.
Any similar experiences with meds?
We are starting to explore alternative treatment methods other than meds. All ears.
My first bit of advice is always to seek topical relief so the meds that make us dopey can be lowered sometimes.......click on the groups tab above - and look at the topical group --- there are creams and patches that can give so much relief....
If he is looking at a more longer term outcome of possible success -- you might start researching MVD operations....
if he is in good health, some have to travel to get the best neurosurgeon - but you want the best.... Success may not be not 100% pain free -- and most likely attributed to the length of his disease so far.
Keep reading/learning/asking --- Find a neurologist for him locally that has TN patients - more than a handful - is a good place to start.
There are many stories on here that will be the worst outcomes - because the people who have great outcomes don't usually come back and post.
Our bible here is "Striking Back" - by Dr. Ken Casey....many options for TN--I still keep the book nearby
Its all about quality of life - and days that have little or no pain here.....or just plain old LESS pain.
I would make sure to avoid all nerve damaging procedures. As they may cause more pain than started with.
Lastly....another site is http://www.fpa-support.org/
They have prominent Doctor list and research dollars there/ great info for research --- but I find this place a little more homey for asking questions. Depending on his symptoms - he may have the version called Atypical Face Pain if not the Trigeminal Neuralgia type 1.
Thanks for being pro-active for a sufferer..... : )
We are only about 12 in 100,000