Hi all, this may seem like a strange question but here goes. I was diagnosed with TN a few months ago and prescribed Carbamazepine but as my symptoms had subsided I was told not to take it unless I had another flare up. To be fair I was in no hurry to take it after I had read the side effects. Prior to the diagnosis I had 2 teeth removed due to what my dentist diagnosed as fractured and rotted roots, I disagreed as my regular dentist had found no issues but due to the amount of pain I was in I agreed to have an upper molar removed from each side. I have Tmj on one side and since the extraction have continued to have pain. I cannot touch my lip on that side even gently without causing a "jumping" pain and am still unable to chew plus talking seems to aggravate it although I can brush and floss without incident. It is almost 4 months since the extractions and I do not appear to have healed as well on my TMJ side. I assume due to the grinding although I do wear my soft splint religiously.
The pain is not unbearable unless I touch my face or lip when it intensiifes briefly but I am wondering whether this is TN and I should start the meds or whether it is TMJ ir something else. At present I am coping with amytriptiline (probably spelt that wrong lol) and vodka on an evening. I think I am just scared of starting new meds but the jumping pain has been constant for the past 5 months and my understanding was that TN flared up for a while and then subsided so I am confused as to whether my pain is due to TN. My GP is supportive but has no idea and I have 5 months before my next visit with my consultant. Any suggestions as to what I should do?