Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Neuralgia?

1

[I have atypical (symptomatic) trigeminal neuralgia in all branches on both sides, and occipital neuralgia on both sides. It's a constant burning/clawing pain that worsens throughout the day - no attacks.]

I went to Mayo Clinic today and saw neurologist/headache specialist Dr. Cheshire. He saw my history and was... silent. His brain was running like crazy, but in the end he had nothing to offer that I hadn't already tried. So I threw a slew of ideas at him: IV lidocaine, IV steroids, rhizotomy, microvascular decompression, balloon decompression, and nerve stimulation. He was only okay with pursuing occipital nerve stimulation. I asked, "What about my trigeminal nerves and facial pain?" His reply was that the occipital nerve is the root and it may have an effect on the trigeminal nerves as well.

Has anyone had experience with a nerve stimulator for neuralgia? How much did it help... or hurt your chronic pain?

2

In have one on my left trigeminal nerve, above and below my left eye. It’s actually my third.

  1. Trial PNS
  2. 1st permanent PNS
  3. 2nd permanent PNS

I’ve had severe TN since Aug. 2005. I woke up that day with horrible pain above, below and directly inside my eye. It’s horrible, just horrible pain that frequently takes my breath away, make me instantly nauseous, and on occasion makes me faint. In fact I had all three happen at Christmas dinner tonight. Nothing says family dinner quite like fainting and forgetting to breath while celebrating the birth of Jesus.

I must say that I love my PNS (peripheral nerve stimulator). I had to use several times today which quite frankly SAVED me a trip to the ER on Christmas Day. It’s instant help, it’s not a drug and it has no side affects!

Take care and please let me know if you have any questions.

Jill