Thanks to everyone who responded to my post about tooth pain. Whenever I reply, it end up in the wrong place--"Jasmine replied to Jasmine's post." I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
Anyway, since two neurologists don't think I have TN (but I'm still having symptoms) I want to know if there is some type of over the counter ointment I can use for face pain and burning nose. I'm sorry if someone has already answered this--I'm so confused and frustrated at this point!
I still continue to have tooth pain but at least my doc gave me lidocaine oral rinse. I have nothing for the face or burning nose though.
Every day it seems like some new pain emerges. I try my best not to panic when pain happens, but it's very difficult. Does anyone else panic?
Is anyone on this board who isn't taking anti-seizure meds and how do you cope with the pain?
I have TN in my eye and my lower teeth. I take prescription gabapentin but I also read on the internet that over the counter Zostrix is helpful so I've recently been using that. Zostrix is made from capsaicin (hot peppers) and is designed for use as an osteo arthritis cream. The science behind it is that the hot pepper creates a burning sensation on the skin which confuses the pain nerves and prevents them from communicating pain back to the brain. The effectiveness is better after you've used it for awhile.
Take a look at this image of the trigeminal nerve:
Based on this image, you should be able to figure out if your nose pain TN stems from V1 or V2 and then apply the cream around the temple and side of the face where those branches of the nerve start. Also rub some on the nose where your problem occurs.
WARNING: wash your hands afterwards and do not let it get in your eyes (I've accidentally done that a few times and honestly its not as bad as I thought it would be since the cream is low dose capsaicin).
Now for your teeth - I haven't tried applying Zostrix directly to my lower gums but I use it on my cheek where V3 crosses over my lower jaw (see the diagram). Also purchase a mouthwash - the hottest one you can find. This works on the same principal - the heat confuses the pain nerves. Wash with your hot mouthwash at least 4 times daily.
Also take magnesium 400mg daily.
Good luck and let me know how you get on with this routine above.
Thank you, KiwiTN, for the detailed information you sent. I will try your suggestions. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond to my question.
I hope that you have a pain-free day/night.
KiwiTN said:
Hi Jasmine,
I have TN in my eye and my lower teeth. I take prescription gabapentin but I also read on the internet that over the counter Zostrix is helpful so I've recently been using that. Zostrix is made from capsaicin (hot peppers) and is designed for use as an osteo arthritis cream. The science behind it is that the hot pepper creates a burning sensation on the skin which confuses the pain nerves and prevents them from communicating pain back to the brain. The effectiveness is better after you've used it for awhile.
Take a look at this image of the trigeminal nerve:
Based on this image, you should be able to figure out if your nose pain TN stems from V1 or V2 and then apply the cream around the temple and side of the face where those branches of the nerve start. Also rub some on the nose where your problem occurs.
WARNING: wash your hands afterwards and do not let it get in your eyes (I've accidentally done that a few times and honestly its not as bad as I thought it would be since the cream is low dose capsaicin).
Now for your teeth - I haven't tried applying Zostrix directly to my lower gums but I use it on my cheek where V3 crosses over my lower jaw (see the diagram). Also purchase a mouthwash - the hottest one you can find. This works on the same principal - the heat confuses the pain nerves. Wash with your hot mouthwash at least 4 times daily.
Also take magnesium 400mg daily.
Good luck and let me know how you get on with this routine above.
The Zostrix is fairly inexpensive and easy to get hold of because so many people use osteo-arthritis creams. You should have no trouble finding it. It has blue and orange on the box. Capsaicin creams are scientifically proven to help with pain so its well worth using daily.
The magnesium is believed to be generally helpful for most nerve disorders. Its fairly cheap also. I use two magnesium brands. One is Swisse Sleep which is a sleeping vitamin consisting mostly of magnesium and a few relaxing herbs (I take that at night obviously). In the morning I take regular magnesium supplements and also a B-complex supplement.
Some people rave that 400mg magnesium daily almost completely prevents their TN, but for most people you'll just notice an improvement rather than a cure.