Consultants
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Hi - I was diagnosed 4 months ago with Trigeminal Neuralgia,after suffering what I thought was toothache for around 3 months, that was until I admitted that my handbag full of different painkillers was not normal and started worrying that I had something far worse. I first went to the dentist who said I needed a small filling which would not be causing the pain I was in but filled the tooth anyway after which I was in agony, I then a week later went back to the dentist (a different one) who checked my filling which was fine, no infection etc and then sprayed some cold air up into my gum, I nearly died! Then straight to doctor who put me on Carbamepazine and strong painkillers which worked after a couple of days, but 3 weeks later horrendous side effects including liver changes. I have been on gabapentin since and take 1500mg a day plus whatever painkillers I need. I have only had a couple of days where I completely forgot I had a problem, it always seems to be there, in different severities (I have constant pain and the sharp electric shocks). My doctor last week told me very little is known about TN and I now have an appointment with a maxillofacial surgeon in January at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital B'ham. My question is why this particular surgeon and not a neurosurgeon or is this general practice. If anyone has any answers it would be appreciated.
0 likes, 13 replies
celeste47775 joanna66862
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joanna66862 celeste47775
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Valkyrie joanna66862
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Maybe they think you have TMJ rather than TN. Other than that, I have no idea. It might be a good idea to google TMJ before you go so that you can ask appropriate questions if they start talking about that as being you problem. Good to have info always and a Maxillofacial surgeon seems a strange choice.
joanna66862 Valkyrie
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richardvilla joanna66862
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joanna66862 richardvilla
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eddie13 joanna66862
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Omg I had your exact story in 2007. I got root canals and an extraction I did not need. The Endodontist directed me to the right place, the Neurologist.
Now the TN symptoms 99% covered by Carbamazepine. At the begining, a low dose was enough. Increase the dose has been necessary over time. Now 4 x 200 mg per day. Evenly spaced is very important. So a pill every 6 hours as exactly as possible. I use alarms on my phone.
Shocking at the time, the root cause was determined to be MS. I had no motor skills problems at that time, but now I do. So I know I've got it.
I'm 55 in a big family that has no history of MS or TN. Thanks to the pills, it's no big deal now. Once a year or so I get a surprise shocker. I just take an extra pill. Good as new. You will find your answer, but get to a neurologist asap.
eddie13
joanna66862 eddie13
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Valkyrie joanna66862
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wanganui eddie13
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richardvilla joanna66862
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No brushing my teeth or feeling my cheek doesn't really set if pain but if I lean on my ear I feel the ache trunking through my jaw to gums. I do have sinus problems so I'm hoping it's that alone. Still very uncomfortable though.
Proxy joanna66862
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joanna66862
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a week later, so i'm hoping this may all be sorted soon!