Hi Everyone
Here again for my next topic. In the last 2 days lots of information confirmed my ideas of what was making my TN worse. I had flare-ups 100% of the time whenever I was in a particular position, which happens to be sitting at a desk/table/etc. In 2008 I had my first TN attack. I was taking online college courses and had a position change at work which included significantly more paperwork (desk/computer use).
I have not had a single time when I could do this type of sitting without a flare-up of excrutiating pain. However, in documenting my experiences of pain I noted that I was always 'jaw clenching'. I do have a history of anxiety disorder so I wasn't surprised to note both symptoms occurred together. That said, this excrutiating flare-up that is getting worse, 3 months in duration and pain that occurrs everday and unbearable with eating or speaking. I have a very good tolerance for pain which I know due to past things that I experienced. Speaking hurts so badly that I can't communicate with someone by phone, even doctors which is, of course, a major issue. The pain with eating is just as bad though there are options for that, though limited.
The purpose of this information is that my neurologist referred me to a pain specialist because, as she indicated, she couldn't do anything else for me and a pain specialist could do injections for the pain. The pain specialist (W) indicated that my neurologist should not have referred me there because she can and should do the injections, etc. Please don't misunderstand, this doctor was extremely compassionate and concerned...he sent a report to my neurologist while I was still in the office, indicated I would not be charged for the visit and sat with me while I sobbed uncontrollably. The pain specialist contacted a dentist that he knows well and works with TN patients. W thought that maybe a mouth appliance could help with the jaw clenching. W wasn't sure of what could help and offered as much information as possible.
I came home and started researching jaw clenching as a TRIGGER for TN. Bingo! lots of good information out there from reliable resourses (my opinion only). In this search I found several sites indicating overlapping symptoms of TN and TMJ which fit exactly with me. Jaw clenching is so severe for me that I wonder why my jaw isn't broken ESPECIALLY during the night. I wake with the worse pain that I struggle to get any of my meds down, I can't open my mouth, literally, to put the pill in, I break them into tiny pieces and sip water with extreme pain. This happens even when I attempt to take the medication early since the unbearable TN pain wakes me up.
I have pain in the back of my neck, base of the skull as well as in front of my ear and where the jaw joint is...pressing on each of these areas are painful yet help release some jaw pressure. Opening my mouth wide always causes TN pain.
So, yes, TMJ and TN must be overlapping conditions/diseases for some of us. I am pursuing treatment for TMJ, my own decision. It can't make anything worse that's for sure.
Prudence