Hi all,
Just an update on sis. The neurosurgeon said it was not TN but he thought it was Ocipital (sp) nerve, and sent her to a neurologist in her town, the appointment is today. I will write more when I hear from her.
Does anybody have info on the Ocipital nerve??
Thank you
Deborah
Occipital nerves are spinal nerves as opposed to cranial nerves like the trigeminal nerve ( although this nerve has a spinal component), the occipital nerve arises between the first three spinal vertebrae, and if this is the correct diagnosis, maybe consider it a blessing over TN, there are lots of treatment options depending on the underlying cause, as in strictly speaking not an entirely a diagnosis, lots of things can cause occipital neuralgia, but successful treatment modalities include; physical therapy, postural changes, botox, self help exercises, nerve blocks and indeed meds to control symptoms to name some.
Typical pain of occipital neualgia includes the back of the head/ neck/ occiput often referring to the eye on the predominantly affected side. The back of the head from apex down is not typically part of a TN diagnosis, as it is beyond the TN nerve territory.
Thank you for your response. Sis, likes and trust her new doctor, for her that is a big plus!!! She needs blood work to see where she is at with the tegratal she is taking. The new neurologist, might add gabapentan and she may see a doctor at the pain clinic. I will be in touch if you don’t mind.
Thanks again
Deborah