Typical or Atypical TN

1

Hi,

I have been dealing with TN pain since 2008, i was officially diagnosed in 2011. Before i started taking meds i had severe pain in my right lower jaw for few days every couple of weeks, other times i would feel mild pain or no pain. After strarting Gabapentin in 2011 the pain was fairly undercontrol with only mild pain occationaly. But about 2 months ago i had another pain episode affecting different set of teeth on the same side with severe pain in the front 2-3 teeth. I am on 1800mg of gabapentin a day and pain is under control but it is higher in internsity and more frequent.I don't get the lightning bolt pain at all but i feel the pins and needle on my cheeks and chin.

The side effect of gabapentin is affecting my quality of life and I had to leave my job becuase of it.

I am considering the Gamma knife and i have consulted the neurosuregon and radiation oncologist. Thet both think my symptoms are typical enough to try the procedure and chances of success are high.

But, according to my reasearch it doesn't work well for the atypical TN and might make symptoms worse so i am very skeptical to try it.

Is there anybody else with similar symptoms? do you think my symptoms can be considered typical?

2

Hello Buttercookie,

I have pain in my jaw , my lower left side canine tooth(sometimes pain in the tooth beside it) and sometimes in my ear..I went to a neurologist who prescribed me Amitriptyline..It works pretty well..About an hour before my next scheduled dose my tooth will start to throb a little..I was diagnosed with Aptypical Odontalgia ..I do not know anything about gamma knife but several people on here have had it done..Someone will be along soon to answer your questions..I just wanted to say I have similar symptoms...Hope you get some answers...