I have severe facial neuropathy since my stroke. I get constant burning in my face and intermittent stabbing pain which is unbearable. My eyes constantly tear and I am sensitive to sunlight and wind. Opioids are not helping. I have tried Lyrica and Tegretol with no success. I have had acupuncture for nothing; 12 needles in the face for nothing! Now I tried Carbamezipine and Oxcarbazepine; so far no help. Are there any other options? My neurologist refuses to inject a nerve block or use a TENS machine. Any other options? The pain often wakes me up..
Speeedbird2, I am sorry about your condition and unfortunately I do not have any suggestions. I have been on trileptal (oxycarbfoazepine) for 9 months with good results. I have gone from 100 to 150 shocks per day on right side of my face to nothing with 600 mg treatment. I recently lost 18 pounds on a low carb diet and my sodium dropped to seriously low levels (124 mg/l). I have reduced my trileptal to 450 mg and increased salt intake with tablets and extra table salt. Still unsteady, dizzy, fatigued, but might be improving. Checking blood sodium again tomorrow
Has anybody else encountered the low sodium side effect? If so how did you handle it? It is one of the more common issues with trileptal.
Except for sodium the drug has worked well and I hate to drop it. At 450 mg I can feel the pain trying to sneak back–fullness in the ear and slightly sensitive teeth, but not really painful and totally tolerable.
Bob
I take 600mg/ day Trileptal & acupuncture treatments. I will be using a microcurrent unit on my cheek. Most pain is by my nostril. My left side is pins & needles all the time from a stroke & can’t walk due to balance problems. Stuck at home as I have no car. Constantly burning eyes & glaucoma as welk.