Exercising with TN and awaiting surgery

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi all

I had my follow up last Thursday and was told i definitely have Trigeminal Neuralgia - such a relief to hear I wasn't going insane and imagining it. I've got to continue with my medication for a month, and if no big improvement by then, then referred to the neurosurgeon for surgery. What I want to know - and what I forgot to ask when I was there - is what exercise can I do during this time? I like to walk and run - either on the treadmill or out and about on treks, but I'm just a little worried that maybe the pressure of running wouldn't be doing great things for the pressure around my head, and obviously not knowing 100% if and when i'll be having surgery, that's a bit of a worry.

So any advice regarding this and what you've found would be appreciated. thanks!

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2 Replies

  • Posted

    Runner here. I always chew a stick of gum when I run. For some reason, my pain would subside greatly during my runs when chewing gum. The pain would come back shortly after a run, however. I've been pain free for a while and continue to run. I did not have MVD, but the non-invasive CyberKnife. Still Trileptal and Keppra.

  • Posted

    There are different treatment options, surgery is usually not the first choice. Find a neurologist who is a specialist on TN. I have had TN for 7yrs. since it is a rare condition we have to research and be our own advocates. There is a facebook group called TN Support group with lots of information.

    Surgery can have many complications, as I have surgery twice. There is a book called striking back with everything you need to know about TN. Hope this helps give some direction.

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