I am currently in the process of visiting a NeurogenX Clinic in Palm Desert, CA. The Desert Nerve Center employs the 4000 Pro Machine represented as a Class II Medical Device cleared by the FDA to aid in the restorative functions of nerve fiber.
Given that I have a scientific background, I will attempt to be as clinically neutral as possible in making these observations (even though as a TN sufferer, I may be inclined to bouts of wishful thinking that could potentially skew the results...however in this instance I'll promise to tell it like it is).
Since I suffer from MS, the Nerve Center is attempting to restore nerve tissue on the lower body in addition to the face.
First Complimentary Session During this initial visit I provided a written description of my experiences with MS and TN, in addition to a description of the drugs and vitamins I am taking. Keith (the proprietor) reviewed my medical information and recommended adding B-12, up to 3 times a day. This session was also intended to see if there was a response to electrostimulation therapy.
Facial Application
Word of Caution - As someone who once nearly leapt through the ceiling after my Primary Care Physician probed my face in search of a reason for my facial pain, it is advisable to have a decent understanding of the amount of stimulation an individual can tolerate before entering into this kind of therapy program.
They applied two square electrical node patches small enough to fit on my face, one on each side of the nose just under each eye; the nodes were attached to a NeurogenX Pro Stimulator machine. We started with an increasing low frequency pulse set to cycle three times for a period of 4 minutes.
This was how I reacted to the initial electrostimulation session on my face:
- At first, the process started with a feeling as if nothing was happening.
- Then it felt as though the patches were burning then turning into a biting sensation.
- Then a pulsing sensation became so strong it forced me to close my eyes.
- As the pulsing increased I could feel my eyes literally dancing, the energy penetrating to a point where I could literally feel the roots of my teeth rattling.
- It built to a point where I almost asked to have it turned down when the cycling period stopped.
- When it finally stopped it felt as though air was being released from a plastic bag.
Never in my life have I felt such sensations, yet at NO time have I felt pain (thank god!).
When the patches were removed, Robin (the technician) rubbed each area where a patch was attached to restore blood-flow. After the first session, the plan was that I was supposed to get a phone call at 10 AM the following day, however, I was so wiped out from the first session that I didn’t wake up until about 2 PM!
Keith (the proprietor) said everything I experienced was to be expected; in fact he was noticeably excited to see my response to the process; in addition, he assured me that the day after the first day was the worst, and not to worry about the day after future sessions. In the interest of full disclosure without grossing people out...I've refrained from discussing the diarrhea I also experienced the second day (that Keith said was unusual).
As far as TN pain, I have been nagged by a twisting pain in my lower right mandibular region that no amount of exercise or diet seems to shake, although I have been visiting relatives for a couple weeks with no exercise and after totally abandoning my diet, so the existing pain may just be a matter of returning to my customary exercise routines.
Lower Body - First and Second Sessions
The First and Second Sessions were actually a bit of a learning experience for both Robin (the technician) and me. Before I arrived, I showered and applied oil to my face and body, we later learned that was a mistake.
Applying the patches to my face is difficult enough with the natural oil my face excretes, and on top of that I added oil after showering; no wonder getting the patches to stick was difficult, thus making it more difficult to achieve the objective of stimulating the nerves It is surprising that we Have been so successful at achieving nerve stimulation on my face; the stimulating effect on my legs these first two sessions were not as successful.
After 2 NeurogenX sessions - I can’t claim that the TN pain has neither diminished nor increased, but I view the fact that I am getting such intense frequency penetration that I can feel down to the roots of my teeth without pain, then I am willing to continue the sessions just to see what happens.
On the first weekend following the first two sessions...I am not pain free (still have the pain in the right mandible), but I am feeling better. My sinus canals are clearer, the tip of my lip is not so electrically sensitive on the right side, and I can open my mouth to eat now (I was struggling to eat cereal mixed with blueberries!).
Session #3
Facial Application On this occasion pain levels have receded to where I can accomplish most oral health/hygiene activities (ie. eating, flossing, brushing teeth, etc.); however, I still have the same grinding pain in my lower mandible.
For the most part, the facial application was similar to previous sessions, however, I am starting to feel as though I am almost enjoying the sensations experienced during this brief time. When it was over I needed to take time to rub the area to restore blood flow, but that was about it.
Lower Body The part that was of interest on this occasion was the response from my legs...until now, we have yet to see much response from my legs, but this time it was different. Previously (other than periodic recoiling of left leg muscles I never see other than a couple of times before sleep in bed), otherwise, my left leg had little response; I though this was due to left side hemiparesis from MS.
Session #4
Lower Body - On this occasion we saw a response from my left leg that mirrored the motion in the right leg and more. Previously, we saw twitching on the inner right thigh, and now we were seeing it on the left...in addition, we could see much more activity in other areas such as the calves, and feet that we hadn't seen before.
Facial Nerves - This was significant because the pulsing was so intense my teeth were really rattled, yet when it was over my sinus cavities felt SO clear! That was the good news...the following morning after I completed my nasal rinsing, I sat down to take a swig out of this 26 oz. water bottle with a straight plastic straw, and this was when I suffered some of the worst pangs of pain I have suffered all summer. Fortunately, the pain was brief, lasting only as long as it took to clear the last bit of nasal rinse solution and phlegm. The pain was strong enough that I worried about whether I should keep up the facial application of the therapy, but over the rest of the weekend I was convinced this was a one (hopefully!) one-time occurrence.
The twisting pain in my lower right mandible is still present.
Session #5
Facial Application- My reaction was no different than the previous sessions, but these sessions are becoming more and more intense...so far I've been able to tolerate everything Keith wanted to give, but this time I was close to asking to have it turned down. I have not asked how much the frequency has been increased since starting these sessions, but it feels as though I am starting to build up a tolerance even though I am getting to a point where I am close to asking to have it turned down.
As far as pain goes, the pain I experienced last week did not occur, however I continue to have the same grinding gyrations in the right lower jaw and mandible. The pain is pretty much constant, not debilitating, but enough so that it cringes when taking the first bite of a meal. This past Labor Day weekend was less than comfortable...the same complaint existed in the right lower jaw, but this time the sensitivity of the gum line was higher than I have experienced for quite a while...about 7 on a 1-10 scale. Drinking water has been made more difficult than I imagined.
Lower Body Application - Once again, this session wasn't as significant as the facial applications or the last session with Robin (she called in sick), although Keith used a more exotic display of patches avoiding the upper thigh, but exclusively below the knee. There was some significant heating and vibration on my feet and (to a lesser extent) calves. When stepping down from the chair this time, it felt as though I was much lighter on my feet...perhaps it was just wishful thinking, but we'll see.
Session #6
Facial Application - I don't know if my sleeping patterns have much to do with these sessions, but I went through another period when I think I fell asleep not too long after returning home, and don't think I woke up until late until late in the evening before this session...and stayed awake through the night and morning of the session! That night I went to sleep around midnight (after taking a 5 HTP), and I didn't wake until 11 AM the following morning.
This session, because I had yet to see any change in the grinding pain in the lower right jaw and mandible, they elected to make a change in the facial application. This time we placed patches directly over the problem areas on the lower jaw and mandible, in addition, electrical patches were placed on inner palms of each hand.
This time the response was similar to prior facial patch placement with lower eyelid pulsing, however this time there was stimulation in the lower jaw that extended up to the tip of the nose, lips, even the tip of my tongue; it was also interesting to feel how the patches on my hands played a role in connecting to the entire process, my arms were twitching in tune with everything else.
After leaving the facility I felt refreshed, and for a time I thought the pain had diminished, but when I bit into some food it returned. A day later I have noticed a return of the pain, accentuated by conversations over the telephone; for the most part it can be controlled, but it is a matter of holding the phone receiver at an angle, and being careful when taking the first bite of food.
Lower Body Application - Once again we focused entirely on the legs below the knee, there was some significant heating and vibration on my feet and calves.
Again I felt lighter on my feet stepping down from the chair, it felt as though I was much lighter on my feet, so much so that I stumbled on my way out the door of the facility and needed some assistance from Keith getting to my car.
Session #7
Facial Application - Once again, after nearly sleeping through this session I woke early enough to call and say I'd be 20 minutes late.
This time we again placed patches directly over the problem areas on the lower jaw and mandible, in addition, electrical patches were placed on inner palms of each hand. This session was similar to the last one, although this time it felt it was on steroids.
TN Pain - As of 30 hours since this session took place, the TN pain still remains, although it is not as uncomfortable as it was yesterday.
Lower Body Application - Once again we put pads on the thighs calves, and feet, this time there was some significant heating and vibration on my feet, it felt as though the toes of my left foot would start moving (but no), but what was so interesting this time was how the pads on my thighs made them jump.
Again I felt lighter on my feet stepping down from the chair, it felt as though I was much lighter on my feet, rather than worry about whether I'd stumble or not right off the bat Keith insisted on helping me to my car.
Session #8
Facial Application
Once again patches were placed directly over the problem areas on the lower jaw and mandible, in addition, electrical patches were placed on inner palms of each hand. This session was similar to the last one, although this time it felt it was on steroids.
TN Pain - The TN pain still remains, although not as bad as it was Labor Day weekend. I suspect that the source of this pain is because I spend several hours each day enclosed at home with the air conditioner running, although most evenings and nights are spent with windows open and fans turn on high...perhaps these household habits are causing the TN pain. Part of the reason my sleeping habits are so out of whack is my fear of TN pain when brushing my teeth; even though the most sensitive part of my body is the lower right gum line on the inner jaw, I should be scared to run a toothbrush over this area, but what I have discovered of late is that if I DO brush my inner right jaw, it (at least) temporarily desensitizes the source of the pain...hence (for the time being anyway) I think the TN pain is manageable.
Lower Body Application - Once again we put pads on the thighs calves, and feet, but this time they placed two pads on my feet, one on top, and one underneath, then one on the outside of the calves, and one on the outside of the thigh. This time there was some significant heating and vibration on my feet, and the toes of my left foot started to move (For real!); there was some minor twitching on my calves, however this time there was only slight movement on the left side of the thigh, although the right side was jumping this time.
Once again I felt lighter on my feet stepping down from the chair, once again Keith helped me to my car.
Session #9
Facial Application
Once again patches were placed directly over the problem areas on the lower jaw and mandible, in addition, electrical patches were placed on inner palms of each hand. This session was similar to the last one,
TN Pain - The TN pain still remains the same 10 hours after the session, however, it might be wishful thinking but on the drive home I felt like I was pain free and my sinuses felt more open.
Lower Body Application - Once again we put pads on the thighs calves, and feet, but this time they placed two pads on my feet, one on top, and one underneath, then one on the outside of the calves, and one on the inside of the thigh (next session we'll be switching to the alternate sides of the calves and thighs). Once again there was some significant heating and vibration on my feet, this time there was some pulsing I could feel at the midpoints of the bottoms of my feet (away from the pads); however, this time the big toe of my right foot started to move, almost as though it was signaling in Morse code; there was some minor twitching on my calves, however this time there was very little movement in the thigh or calves, if anything I found it strange how we get such a different response between sessions.
Session #10
Facial Application
Once again patches were placed directly over the problem areas on the lower jaw and mandible, in addition, electrical patches were placed on inner palms of each hand. This session was similar to the last one, although a tingling sensation in my hands continues for several hours after leaving the office.
TN Pain - Twenty four hours after the session the TN pain still remains the same (pain in the lower right jaw that can be tolerated).
Lower Body Application - Once again we put pads on the thighs calves, and feet, but this time they placed two pads on my feet, one on top, and one underneath, then one on the inside of the calves, and one on the outside of the thigh (next session we'll be switching to the alternate sides of the calves and thighs). Once again there was some significant heating and vibration on my feet, this time there was some pulsing I could feel at the midpoints of the bottoms of my feet (away from the pads); however, once again, the big toe of my right foot started to move again, almost as though it was signaling in Morse code; there was some minor twitching on my calves, this time there was quite a bit of movement in the thighs and calves.
Session #11
Facial Application
Once again patches were placed directly over the problem areas on the lower jaw and mandible, in addition, electrical patches were placed on inner palms of each hand. This session was similar to the last one, although the tingling sensation in my hands was not as long as it was last time.
TN Pain - Twenty four hours after the session the TN pain still remains the same (pain in the lower right jaw can be tolerated). The one difference this session was that I was able to expel more sinus buildup when I went to the bathroom, this is a good sign for helping to control sinus pain...although the pain still remains.
Lower Body Application - Once again we put pads on the thighs calves, and feet, but this time they placed two pads on my feet, one on top, and one underneath, then one on the inside of the calves, and one on the inside of the thigh. Once again there was some significant heating and vibration on my feet, this time there was some pulsing I could feel at the midpoints of the bottoms of my feet (away from the pads); however, once again, the big toe of my right foot started to move again, almost as though it was signaling in Morse code; there was some minor twitching on my calves, this time there was quite a bit of movement in the thighs and calves.
Session #12
Facial Application
Once again patches were placed directly over the problem areas on the lower jaw and mandible, in addition, electrical patches were placed on inner palms of each hand. This session was quite the ride! I almost put out my hand to turn it down but when I was about to the beep sounded to signal that we were done. I did not expel more sinus buildup after the session concluded this time, but that might be because I only do a sinus once a day instead of twice.
TN Pain - Twenty four hours after the session the TN pain still remains the same (pain in the lower right jaw can be tolerated). The cooler nights are finally getting here, so I am able to air out the house more...the more I can avoid closing up the house the better I feel when I wake each morning (although I still can't drink water or chew food without being reminded the pain is still there).
Lower Body Application - Once again we put pads on the thigh calves, and feet, but this time they placed two pads on my feet, one on top, and one underneath, then one on the inside of the calves, and one on the inside of the thigh (next session we'll be switching to the alternate sides of the calves and thighs). Once again there was some significant heating and vibration on my feet, this time there was vibratory activity in vicinity of pads on the bottom sides of my feet, but also on the opposite sides of the foot where the pads were placed. Once again there was some minor twitching in the vicinity of the pads on my calves and thighs, but we have noticed that where the muscles might be more developed (the insides of my legs are stronger because of dragging my left foot...the inner right thigh helps with this motion so it is more developed, hence a better ride when stimulated).
We concluded that the stiffness I had must have been attributed to my exercise routine, probably because I took a brake to visit relatives.
Session #13
Facial Application
Once again patches were placed directly over the problem areas on the lower jaw and mandible, in addition, electrical patches were placed on inner palms of each hand. As far as the facial sessions go, it seems like every new session was a wilder ride than the last! The facial session settings are set much lower than the lower legs sessions (nearly maxed), so (as I see it) there is much more range available for these settings they can increase the intensity every time. I did expelled much more sinus buildup after the session concluded this time.
TN Pain - The TN pain still remains the same (pain in the lower right jaw can be tolerated). The cooler nights are finally getting here, so I am able to air out the house more...the more I can avoid closing up the house the better I feel when I wake each morning (although I still can't drink water or chew food without being reminded the pain is still there). The one thing that is exciting is that pain free episodes seem to be more frequent.
Lower Body Application - Once again we put pads on the thigh, calves, and feet, but this time they placed two pads on my feet, one on top, and one underneath, then one on the inside of the calves, and one on the inside of the thigh (next session we'll be switching to the alternate sides of the calves and thighs). Once again there was some significant heating and vibration on my feet, this time there was vibratory activity in vicinity of pads on the bottom sides of my feet, but only in the vicinity of the pads. Once again there was some minor twitching in the vicinity of the pads on my calves and thighs, but we have noticed that where the muscles might be more developed (the insides of my legs are stronger because of dragging my left foot...the inner right thigh helps with this motion so it is more developed, hence a better ride when stimulated).
Session #14
Facial Application
Once again patches were placed directly over the problem areas on the lower jaw and mandible, in addition, electrical patches were placed on inner palms of each hand; also, I have failed to mention this, but the past 6 sessions Robin has also been placing electrical pads on my thighs and calves (alternating sides each session); until this week I have not seen enough stimulation response activity to think it was having much effect, but today I was surprised to see how much pulsing was evident on BOTH outer thighs, and to a lesser extent my inner calves. As far as the facial sessions go, it seems like every new session was a wilder ride than the last (and true to form this was). The facial session settings are set much lower than the lower legs sessions (nearly maxed), so (as I see it) there is much more range available for these settings they can increase the intensity every time. I did not expelled much in the way of sinus buildup here, but that occurred prior to my visit.
TN Pain - The TN pain still remains the same (pain in the lower right jaw can be tolerated (~2 to 3 on a scale of 1 to 10). The cooler nights are finally getting here, so I am able to air out the house more...the more I can avoid closing up the house the better I feel when I wake each morning (although I still can't drink water or chew food without being reminded the pain is still there). The one thing that is exciting is that pain free episodes seem to be more frequent, one such moment occurred during my session!
Lower Body Application - Once again we put pads on the inner thighs, and outer calves, and feet, but this time they placed two pads on my feet, one on the outer sides of the feet, and one underneath, then one on the inside of the calves, and one on the outside of the thigh. Once again there was some significant heating and vibration on my feet, this time there was warmth and a pulsing sensation in vicinity of the footpads in addition to the region from the ankles down. Once again there was some stimulatory motion in the vicinity of the pads on the ouside of my calves and inside of my thighs.
Session #15
Facial Application
This session was significant in that due to a staffing conflict Keith had to take over for Robin the regular technician.
This time electrical pads were placed on the outside of the thighs and just on my face over my lower jaw, we forgot about the other pair of pads on palms and the inside thighs.
For whatever reason, when Keith and I are alone we are like bachelors driving a brand new Lamborghini...as long as he knows I am a willing partner, he is willing to let me ride as fast as I want, just to see how many "G's" I am willing to take...and on this ride I pretty much set him loose to run me through the paces!
Ladies and Gentlemen, once again I caution other people with TN doing what I did today...however, this was one of the WILDEST rides I have yet to take on a NeutragenX 4000! To date I have never felt such strong pulsing sensations, the vibrations continued even stronger than in the past, but this time it could be felt from the tip of my nose down to the base of my neck, and even though there were no electrical pads on the palms, my hands were twitching just as wildly (if not more) as with a pad.
As usual, we went through a period of three increasingly heavy cycles of vibration set at a setting of "3" (as compared to "9" on my legs); however, this time Keith just let me ride free without turning it down when the pulsing got extreme. Sitting here this evening after the session, my sinuses feel SO relaxed, there is no pain (at the moment).
Lower Body Application - I forget the pad placement this session, but I think we had pads on the inner and outer thigh, one on the outer calf, and one on the sole of the foot.
Once again there was some significant heating and vibration on my feet, this time there was warmth and a pulsing sensation in vicinity of the footpads but not too significant. Once again there was some stimulatory motion in the vicinity of the pads on both sides of my thighs.
Session #16
Facial Application
Robin returned for this session, so she would have to duplicate the Lamborghini experience...the pressure was on!
This time electrical pads were placed on the inside of the thighs and on my face over the lower jaw, this time she restored the pads on my palms and she added pads to the inside of my (less than impressive) biceps.
This session was impressive, but not as significant as the last.
However, it is now Sunday evening after the session, my sinuses feel better than I can remember, there is no pain (at the moment) other than some slight pain while drinking or eating; while it is not a complete remission, I feel better than I have in ages.
Lower Body Application - I think we had pads on the inner thigh, and outer calf, and one on the sole of the foot, and (I think on the inner ankle).
Once again there was some significant heating and vibration and warmth on my feet, this time my toes moved but only the slightest. Once again there was some stimulatory motion in the vicinity of the pads on both sides of my thighs.
With only 2 sessions left to be scheduled, I think my lower body might require more stimulation to get my legs working as well as they did prior to the MS diagnosis in Jan, 2001; however, I am feeling very positive about the remission I am experiencing with Trigeminal Neuralgia (my reason for scheduling the sessions with NeutragenX in the first place).
Session #17
Facial Application
Robin was present for this session
This time electrical pads were placed on the inside of the thighs and on my face over the lower jaw, although this time we avoided putting pads on my palms, or biceps (Keith wanted to see if we could duplicate Lamborghini effect), but we again put pads on the inner thighs.
This session was impressive, nearly intolerable at times, but not as wild as the Lamborghini effect (although the pads on the inner thighs had some movement even on this lower setting. When the session was over my sinuses felt invigorated.
Lower Body Application - We had pads on the outer thigh, and outer calf near the spot I put my Walkaide, and one on the sole of the foot, and one on top.
Once again there was some significant heating and vibration and warmth on my feet, this time my toes moved but only the slightest. Once again there was some stimulatory motion in the vicinity of the pads but nothing too exciting.
Session #18
Facial Application
Keith ran this session
This time pads were placed on my outer thighs, my face over the lower jaw, and on my upper back.
This session WAS impressive, it was the Lamborghini effect on steroids! It is almost to a point where I want to bring my camera to post onsite for others to see. It is now Monday night, since the session last Thursday my sinuses still feel invigorated.
After a resurgence in sinus pain last week, I think it might have been caused by eating a mixture of nuts (mostly almonds). During a visit to a naturopath a couple years ago, she mentioned that I might be allergic to almonds...perhaps she was right!
Lower Body Application - We had pads on the inner thigh, and outer calf, and one on the sole of the foot, and one on the ankle.
Once again there was some significant heating and vibration and warmth on my feet. Once again there was some significant motion in the vicinity of the thigh pads.
Normally this is supposed to be my graduation, but after the recent pain episode Keith said he wants me back for two more sessions
Session #19
Facial Application
Robin ran this session
Similar to last time pads were again placed on my face, and two on my back, and one on each side of my thigh.
This session WAS impressive, I don't know if a Lamborghini has twelve gears but this one did...Robin hasn't had the opportunity of witnessing the Lamborghini Effect, at least not until now! I can't believe the amount of pulsing gyrations can occur yet I still feel no pain.
It is hard to fully describe the feeling after these facial sessions, the evening after I still have some slight twitching pain in random areas of my right face, but nothing like what was experienced before.
Admittedly there are several other possible reasons for the recovery:
- As discussed previously it could be food allergy, and withdrawing almonds from my diet. If I was truly dedicated to the cause I suppose I could try introducing almonds again, but I'm afraid I am not that dedicated to this effort.
- It could be environmental allergies, with changing weather, no longer being confined to air conditioned indoors, doors and windows wide open to fresh desert air do help provide pain relief...this helps in many cases.
- It could be exercises, physical exercise has coincided with TN recovery, and I have resumed a new exercise program over the last 7 months, after a long respite.
- Over the past month and two weeks, I have been experimenting with nutraGenix vitamin supplements taken using Isotonix principles (see other nutraGenix blog), this too could be contributing to recovery.
It could be one or a combination of any of these (and other) possible contributions to aid my recovery, I have yet to see whether my MS symptoms are mitigated with the NeutragenX methodology, but for those of us who suffer from Trigeminal Neuralgia, I believe this is a tool worth considering.
I am still thinking about taking a video of my facial sessions just to illustrate the magnitude of motion they managed to create in our 19 sessions, although this is something that reveals a very intimate part of my life...I need to be sure when I do this.
Lower Body Application - This time pads were limited to near my feet (a pad underfoot, on top parallel to the toes, on the inner ankles, and the outer lower calf).
Once again there was some significant heating and vibration and warmth on my feet, but the only significant movement was just prior to the end of the second and third cycle when my toes moved.
Session #20
Facial Application
Robin ran this session.
This was supposed to be my graduation session, something to be celebrated although it was marred by another resurgence of facial pain. I don't think that the resurgence of pain had anything to do with the NeurogenX nerve stimulation therapy;I think that the pain was attributed to going off reservation with my eating habits again. I thought I could handle Chipotle Mexican food but there is very little in the way of spicy food I can eat anymore...but I think this was the source of this episode of facial pain. It has been a couple days since the pain relapse, now I feel much better
Similar to last time pads were again placed on my face, and two on my back, and one on each side of my thighs.
This session was as impressive as recent occasions, just as wild! Although it almost seemed as though I was getting used to it. Even though the nerve stimulation was so significant, it did not aggravate the pain I had as recently as this morning.
I was thinking about taking a video of my facial sessions just to illustrate the magnitude of motion they managed to create in our 19 sessions. Had I not felt so poorly I would have brought the camera...maybe later.
Lower Body Application - This time pads were limited to near my feet (a pad underfoot, on top parallel to the toes, on the inner ankles, and the outer lower calf).
Once again there was some significant heating and vibration and warmth on my feet, but the only significant movement was just prior to the end of the second and third cycle when my toes moved.
In Summary, I think this type of therapy has immense possibility for those of us who suffer from facial pain; as far as treating MS, I think it depends on the individual. It is important to work with the staff at NeurogenX, the staff in Palm Desert is absolutely the best!
Unfortunately as far as I know, as of 10/25/15 NeurogenX is not covered under insurance plans, but depending on your situation they will work with you and what you can afford.