Facial prickling getting worse - TN?
Posted , 4 users are following.
For over a month I've been getting sporadic (a few times a day) stinging nettle sensations in my right cheek. I saw my doc who just said it sounded like trigeminal neuropathy and basically just dismissed me. It seems to be getting worse and much more frequent, accompanied by a dull throb in my right temple when it happens. Should I just not worry or should I seek further investigations? What is the difference between trigeminal neuralgia and trigeminal neuropathy
0 likes, 6 replies
heather30609 py2016
Posted
py2016 heather30609
Posted
Valkyrie py2016
Posted
a diagnosis of Facial Neuropathy is not the same as Trigeminal Neuralgia and it is important to know which one it is since the usual medications for Tn can possibly make Facial Neuopathy worse which may be why your doc has not prescribed anything. I think you need more information including why the doctor has made that determination (remember, they generally have further knowledge on the subject and he/she might have just neglected to tell you) I think you need to go back with a list of questions that you would like answered and if you then still have any doubts, ask for a referral to a Neurologist.
py2016 Valkyrie
Posted
justjane37 py2016
Posted
Trigeminal Neuralgia is caused by a blood vessel or vein compressing the trigeminal nerve. Trigeminal Neuropathy basically just means neuropathy of unknown origin. Considering your DR hasn't done any tests he or she cannot make that diagnosis.
The medications used for both are the same. Anti-convulsants Tegretol or Neurontin are first line treatment. Tricyclic anti-depressants such as Amitriptyline or Nortriptyline can also be helpful for some people. Where the diagnosis becomes very important is in the invasive procedures used for TN--they will not help neuropathy and can make the pain worse.
TN is not a death sentence. Every single one of us is different. Many of us are able to find medication that helps the pain and allows us to live normal, productive and happy lives. I have had TN for ten years. I work full time and have a beautiful family. Yes, the pain can be out of this world but there are ways to cope with it and there are many options for medication.
I hope that your pain remains mild and that you don't need to make all of those decisions....but take it seriously and find a better DR
py2016 justjane37
Posted
Thank you very much for replying to my post. I have made an appointment and if I still get little back, I will definitely go in search of a better doctor! I've also made an appointment with the optician (just to cover all bases!)
All the best,
p