I had relief for 9 years after MVD for TN2 symptoms, although I had nerve compression suspected on MRI and confirmed during surgery (one artery and 2 veins compressing the nerve). Pain relief only lasted 9 months after repeat MVD and then subsequent radiosurgery failed. Gabapentin does not help and puts me in such a fog I cannot function (I live alone). I have pain in my left eye (which gets worse as the day progesses or I do reading/computer work) and the pain that was in only one tooth has now spread to all my upper left teeth, gums and roof of mouth. Local anesthetics (like lidocaine) don't seem to help either applied inside my mouth or externally. Sometimes I would just like to pluck my eye out of my head. Has anyone had success with recurrence treatments?
After MVD failed to relieve the constant TN2 pain, my neurosurgeon suggested a peripheral nerve stimulator. I had this device implanted in August 2013, and it has been wonderful at controlling my pain. I no longer take any meds!
Please ask me any questions, and I hope you find some relief!
Best
Christine
I had an mvd four years after onset of tn1. Surgery confirmed the vessel on the nerve, yet three prior MRI scans did not show the vessel. The MRI scans made it impossible to choose an mvd with confidence, so my hubby and I chose gamma knife not once, but twice!! What ding dongs we were! Then came the mvd that has worked well for the tn1 pain, but the two radiation burns caused anesthesia delarosa. Not a good card to pull, BUT with lots of trial and error, I’ve found a med combo that I rotate to get a good result. I keep believing one day I’ll wake up and this will be gone! Meanwhile, my family keeps me in stitches and we all try to make the best of a bad situation. I hope you find good relief soon. As you try different meds it might get frustrating, even emotionally draining, but don’t give up, there is a combo that will bring relief and give you a life back. Sometimes life after pain is tougher than prior to the pain returning, but with the right meds it does get better.
Where was your pain before you had the PNS placed?
Christine said:
After MVD failed to relieve the constant TN2 pain, my neurosurgeon suggested a stimulator. I had this device implanted in August 2013, and it has been wonderful at controlling my pain. I no longer take any meds!
Please ask me any questions, and I hope you find some relief!
Best
Christine
I have all three branches of the trigeminal nerve involved so my pain is in my scalp, forehead , behind the eye, face, and teeth. My PNS has two leads, and the controller lets me manipulate how much current goes to each one. I have it on constantly, and only occasionally have to change the settings.
I also have a reoccurance of pain post MVD. My pain is in the same places with the addition of deep inner ear pain as well. The meds taken prior to surgery are less effective post surgery for me.