This story, link below, aired on NPR earlier this week. It's about a device that sends electrical impulses to the forehead and through the trigeminal nerve to the brain to interrupt signals that result in epileptic seizures. It's still in the testing stages but an interesting read or listen nonetheless. I assume, since many of us take anti-seizure meds to treat our TN, that this new course of treatment for epileptics might possibly be beneficial to us as well. It's certainly worth keeping an eye on. Anyone else familiar with this?
http://www.npr.org/2011/07/27/138619259/new-device-reduces-seizures-no-surgery-required
The device you reference appears to have some things in common with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices which have been at the experimental stage for years. I've seen no consistent reports of success with TENS, though some patients have related anecdotes of having at least temporary success in suppressing neuropathic pain with such devices.
Of all the doctors I know, the one with the most experience with TENS and Motor Cortex Stimulation would be Kenneth F. Casey, MD, a neurosurgeon and present Chairman of the TN Association Medical Advisory board. Casey's contact data are as follows:
Kenneth F. Casey, MD, National Chairman, MAB
Chairman, Department of Neurological Surgery
Oakwood Southshore Hospital
5452 Fort Street, 2nd Floor
Trenton, MI
email Contact@drkencasey.net
I've met Casey in the past and he should recognize my name. Feel free to tell him I sent you if you contact him.
Regards and best,
R.A. "Red" Lawhern, Ph.D.
Resident Research Analyst, LwTN