Have y’all also found sugar and/or weight control to help reduce TN symptoms? My acupuncturist told me that the inflammation/fat gained by sugar intake/weight increase is likely to increase inflammation and pressure on the nerve, and therefore symptoms.S
Some patients and a few practitioners of "alternative medicine" advocate for the use of an anti-inflammatory diet as a step in controlling neuropathic pain. Such diets resemble the "healthy heart" diet and the Atkins diet -- and for most people they at least initially leave you feeling starved and without energy. A lot of folks find them very hard to stay on, and you have to do that if you're to reap the supposed benefits. However, despite diligent searching, I have seen no controlled randomized trials which demonstrate that such diets actually contribute to positive management of trigeminal neuralgia or neuropathy pain.
Regards, Red
There are tons of people who are very thin, and have very healthy diets, and they still get TN. I think it's always a good idea to have a healthy diet and weight, but I don't think it has a big impact on TN.
Thanks.
crystalv said:
There are tons of people who are very thin, and have very healthy diets, and they still get TN. I think it’s always a good idea to have a healthy diet and weight, but I don’t think it has a big impact on TN.
I haven’t found any either. I was thinking that someone/multiple people might have found that their symptoms decreased with weight loss.
Richard A. “Red” Lawhern said:
Some patients and a few practitioners of “alternative medicine” advocate for the use of an anti-inflammatory diet as a step in controlling neuropathic pain. Such diets resemble the “healthy heart” diet and the Atkins diet – and for most people they at least initially leave you feeling starved and without energy. A lot of folks find them very hard to stay on, and you have to do that if you’re to reap the supposed benefits. However, despite diligent searching, I have seen no controlled randomized trials which demonstrate that such diets actually contribute to positive management of trigeminal neuralgia or neuropathy pain.
Regards, Red
I would guess your acupunturist was referring eating clean. Whole foods (rather than processed) and more fruits and veggies that are organic while reducing processed sugars and carbs, but replacing them with raw honey and agave nectar or Stevia and whole grains. I know people who have control over diseases eating this way ( but they are all hormonal in nature), but I too cannot see how this would control TN. To me, it would definitely lower the inflammation in your body. You would obviously be much healthier BUT you would still have a raw spot on your nerve where a blood vessel or vein was compressing. I think holistic practioners believe it will repair itself if you eat this way so you have to decide what you believe. But if you try this, there is nothing that can go wrong except it is expensive. I even have some amazing recipes I could send you from someone I know.
I often note that my flares are more spiked after eating too much sugar. I have a saying “sugar is not my friend” that reminds me to watch sugar binges.
You are the best diagnostician of how your body pocesseses certain foods and whether or not they cause more TN pain. TN or not - food (healthy) is always the best medicine.
As a TN2 charter member, every day in a learning experience. Managing this is work and I appreciate this site because no question is off limit.
Grace and mercy,
Ernette
Hi everyone I was in great shape
My whole life, then bang this crap hits me in October and all change for me, I’m sick of taking Meds, I need to try something soon , rf, Rhizotomy has anyone tried this?
Dean, some of your reported symptoms seem to resemble TN Type II or generalized trigeminal neuropathic pain more than Type I. Unless you have a clear vascular compression in MRI imagery, most surgeons will tell you that Rhizotomy may not be a good option for you, and MVD can be a crap shoot (chances less than 50/50). Besides which, an MVD can cost $100K (which I personally consider unconscionable) in the US. You might do better by having your neurologist try you on other medications or combinations before exploring this option.
Regards, Red
I only weigh 50kg and I got it so don't think it's related to weight :(
I do have alot of sugar though so can't comment on that!
Dean, Rhizotomy was not beneficial. It was a desperate attempt to try something in hopes of ridding myself of the nagging pain. Left me with some facial numbness and eye discomfort. Where I am now is not perfect but I realize there is on quick fix or magic pill. I have had to rebuild my life and establish new norms. Getting here has been and is an on going journey. It is akin to grieving. Acceptance- try to regain some of the things you did to maintain great shape. Activity, even when I have to force myself has been good. I suggest you find the best medical team possible, educate yourself and family. Exhaust every non-invasive technique to your disposal. Be open to discovery when it comes to meds. Sometimes it takes a while for them to work. Journal how your body responds, which ones work best without impeding your quality of life. Come to terms and get to know your TN. Over this journey, I have learned that I can function on lower dosages of constant dosing of meds (spread out overthe day rather than high dosages twice/three times daily, etc. This is not textbook. It is life experience. Bottom line unless you have strong consensus from experts who inform you of all pros and cons keep any invasive procedure on your last resort to do items.
One other other thing, you are new to TN. Take some time to read and communicate with this site. I find it comforting and verrrrrrry educational. Wish it had been around early on for me. Would have saved a lot of money and damage and would have possibly arrived at my current state with less bumps and bruises.
Note all of the disclaimers on this site, however, it is as expert as it gets when it comes to facial neuralgia-TN 1 or 2.
If you have not figured it out yet, Red Lawhern keeps us informed on the science.
You have a voice here! Grace to you!!
Sugar is definitely a trigger for me,one of the worst. I am overweight but skinny folks get TN too.
Ernette, one minor reservation on my part, please. Although I'm an active moderator and have a 17-year history as a patient advocate for facial pain sufferers, Living With TN isn't "all about me". We have several quite knowledgeable moderators and site administrators here -- good people who engage and help, and understand the journeys of pain from the inside. I know those journeys as the spouse of a pain patient, and as one who has been forced to stand helpless on the outside at times while somebody I love is going through the agonies of hell on earth. I don't have all the answers. But I try to share the provisional answers I'm able to find by talking with a great many people, many of them patients.
Thanks for the compliment. This wasn't to fuss at you... merely to credit our other contributors.
Go in Peace and Power
Red
Ernette Dawson said:
If you have not figured it out yet, Red Lawhern keeps us informed on the science.
You have a voice here! Grace to you!!
Red, thanks for the shout out to others. So true are your comments to commend many others. I can only agree, give credit where it is due. This site has many many experts. Each of us lend our experience and expertise.
I appreciate your acknowledgement!
I’ve heard the exact opposite. That certain types of fats are good for nerves, regardless of weight gain. I’ve also noticed comments about anticonvulsants causing weight gain. I’m really not sure if any studies have been done, so it’s impossible to know the truth.
I am very skeptical that weight/fat can affect the nerves in the brain - but wouldn’t be surprised if sugar could trigger some chemical reaction that could affect the Trigeminal nerve. But, I would want to see valid studies.