Hi All,
I was searching the net on Trigeminal Neuralgia when I hit upon this site. I joined it immediately since I wanted to know more about this disease, its cure etc. My dad has been diagnosed with TN. He has been affected since past 8 months. It happened suddenly one day when in the morning, he got up and complained about the left side of his face being numb (including the left part of his tongue, cheek, ear, chin, teeth) and an intermittent shooting pain near the left ear. We then consulted an ENT specialist who confirmed that there is nothing wrong with the ear. We then also consulted a dentist who examined the teeth and assured that there is no problem. He then suggested that we consult a neuro-physician, who advised us to go for an MRI scan. The scan results were totally normal. He then suggested that there is nothing wrong and that we need to keep diabetes in control (my dad is a diabetic since past 10 years). Later on, we went for ayurvedic treatment and after a few sessions, the shooting pain had gone. But the numbness still remains.
He says that there is no problem in hearing, or taste. But the numb, sensationless feeling is very disturbing. We then happened to consult another neuro physician who advised us to go for another MRI scan. In the second scan report, it was noticed that thickening of the trigeminal nerve was taking place. I do not remember the exact words from the scan report (I will post that tomorrow). After a couple of other tests, when we consulted the neuro physician yesterday, he happened to mention that there is no treatment for this disease as such. He then asked us to consult a neuro-surgeon. My question is, is a surgery required in this case? Can it be cured with the help of medicines?
P.S.: There is no pain as of now. The numb feeling is present.
Please advice.