Trigeminal Nerve Block.....successful? Please answer ASAP!

General General TN & GPN (Old Site)
1

Hi all! I hope that you’re doing well and that your TN has been manageable. :slight_smile:

I’m considering getting a trigeminal nerve block, though I’m not sure as to how well it will work. I still have my mind set on getting MVD, but that could take a while. If you’d be so kind as to tell me, did or did not the block help you? Did you notice it immediately or no?

Best wishes,
Madeleine

2

I’m sorry to hear about your pain and dilemma. I don’t have much to add but here is my experience…

I have had a nerve block on the face (infraorbital nerve, V2 branch) and it gave me maybe an hour of numbness and relief. It was more or less just for diagnosis purposes, which let me know it was the problem nerve.

Problem with nerve blocks in general is they seem a very mixed bag. Some can last minutes or months. Some just do not at work at all. It really depends on the person and what they are using in the block (lodicane, steroids, alcohol etc). Also the procedure itself has possible complications, if they nick the nerve it can do damage.

I guess that doesn’t really answer your question, but I suppose it’s really it’s about what the doctors suggest and are trying to accomplish. I would at the very least ask these questions to get a better idea for yourself.

  1. How many of these blocks have they done, and what is the complication rate? If they haven’t done very many I’m not sure I would want them poking my nerves
  2. What type of material are you using and how long can I expect relief? I.e are they doing it just for diagnostic purpose or are they trying to get more long term relief.. I would be a little more weary of destructive methods (i.e alcohol)

I’m sure others with more experience will chime in…. Also if you search for Nerve block you will find other similar questions/ Answer. Hope that helps, Good Luck!

3

I was in the same situation deciding bw nerve block or MVD. My doctor suggested we start small and i had a glycerol nerve block 3 weeks ago. I am noticeably better (went from episodes every day, now about once a week). I think it was worth it. I can still do the mvd if it gets worse. It can take 2 weeks to start really working - and did take that long for me, but some people have immediate relief.

4

Some procedures can damage nerve -- and make an MVD surgery unsuccessful when you have it later -- please make sure you find out the answer to this one !

Keep searching and make sure doc has TN patients - as in more than one !

5

I have a nerve block this week using steroids.. I'll post my progress. Happy birthday!

6

I had glycerol nerve block. It took a few months of gradually getting better for me. I then had a few good months where I managed to cut right back on meds but unfortunately it came back! Everyone is different with their response. Ask questions and research.

Take care.