TN and wisdom tooth removal

Hi Amanda

I cannot think of a way that having a wisdom tooth removed could start TN however it sounds like something might have caused nerve damage during the procedure - only 'might'! It would be interesting to explore this more.

Take care

Colin

Hi Colin, 

I'd try and explain everything that has happened with me and with regards to my teeth - but i would end up with a long lengthy response.

My problems started 2-3 years ago with electric shocks in my teeth i tought this was toothache so attended the dentist it has just went downhill from then if i am honest. 

I've been doing alot of research on TN this does typically start with

"The initial attack of the horrendous pain is like a lightning bolt, not only in the sudden manner in which it strikes but also because it feels like an electric shock. The first port of call for the stunned sufferer is usually the dentist – despite the fact that the pain feels totally unlike the ‘conventional’ throb of toothache. But because the trigeminal nerve endings link to each tooth, the source of the pain seems to emanate from the teeth." 

I dont know how you could say (as no one knows for definate) that having a wisdom tooth or any tooth removed might not cause TN as to quote the paragraph above - trigeminal nerve endings link to each tooth. 

I will keep pressing my GP as what i have experienced over the past few months is not normal.  You can never say NEVER!!

Regards

Amanda 

Hi Amanda

Please forgive me, you are absolutely right, of course. The trigeminal nerve does have branches that locate near the teeth and extraction can damage the nerve with pain indistinguishable from the pain caused by the classic causes of TN, namely artery/nerve interference. The pain - just as acute as that experienced by chronic TN - should subside with time.

It's a very 'interesting' and confusing area of medicine and my knowledge primarily comes from research, like yours.

I'm going through a very challenging time with my TN, at this moment in time and am aware that it's going to get slowly worse. I hope yours is only temporary, my friend - life is no fun when we're in pain, is it!

Thanks for your feedback and best wishes. Colin 

Hi Colin,

Im sorry to hear you are having a challenging time - how did your TN start?

I hope you are getting the support you need from professionals and family.

Amanda

Hi Amanda

Thank you for asking. About 2 years ago, completely out of the blue, I was eating dinner when the most excruciating pain shot across the left hand side of my face, close to the  jaw hinge. I saw my GP and he thought it might be coming from the joint of the jaw, perhaps from arthritis and prescribed pain killers. Whilst having a routine dental check, I discussed this with my dentist who felt it was a nerve problem as his x-rays revealed a very healthy jaw suspension. I returned to my GP who referred me to a neurologist - I requested this and went privately. Specialist agreed with my dentist as I let a shriek of pure agony when he asked me what the pain was like! It happens when I try to shave in the morning - he understood. You have TN he said! you have all the classic symptoms. I was prescribed Tegretol. The bouts of pain come and go - perhaps 2-3 weeks then remission for 5-6 weeks but the gap is narrowing! This week is a bad week - can't clean my teeth, struggle to eat in anticipation of indescribable pain. 

I have a very caring GP and a good dentist. I treat them with with respect!

A long answer to your question, Amanda. 

try a bag of frozen peas held to your face then move around the head area  including rear    put any tablet under tongue  pref carbamazapine

TN is a horrid pain try a bag of FROZEN peas held to the cheek .then move about including top of head. .behind ear  any tablets put one under tongue. good luck  i feel ur pain  a 20 yr sufferer

Hi Colin, 

Sorry for the delay in replying to you? How are things with you just now?

I felt a little better last week until everything went nuts on Monday evening, my head (right side) felt like someone had plugged it in to an electric socket ... I couldnt do anything lie down, stand up and even felt the need to vomit the pain was so bad. So i attended the doctor again (a different one this time - thats a total of 3 in the past 3 months) and all she handed me was a prescription for some asprin and i pushed to get my Amitryptiline increased to 75mg. I feel like giving up with them if i am honest - the doctors that it. I cant believe what an impact this is having on my day to day life ..... I dont feel like i have one!! 

Hope you well ... sorry for rambing on at you. Amanda

Hi Amanda

Great to hear from you but I'm so sorry to hear how bad your situation is, right now. I'm especially sorry to read just how ineffective your GP seems to be! Why is she/he prescribing aspirin? If you have TN it will have little positive effect. Were you taking Tegretol, at some point in the past? If so, how useful was that?

I've just come out of a bad spell of TN and am enjoying what I think is a period of remission. My doctor increased my Tegretol intake from 4 to 5 tablets a day and it seems to have worked or the TN has subsided on it's own - a few weeks of peace!! I can clean my teeth properly again etc.

My GP is working closely with me on this - something which it seems you lack. Can you improve that relationship in some way because it's vital to have them working with - trust etc. Hope things improve and you weren't. going on' , that's the point of this support group! Colin x

 

Hi Colin, 

Nice to hear back from you and hear that your having a little bit remission. Here's hoping it lasts. 

I was back at my GP this morning, we scheudled 2 week or 4 weeks appointment lately. She said she has had a long lengthly chat with the neuroligist and it looks like i'll be getting an MRI scan to see what is going on .... now i just need to wait on the appoinment. I've also been given diazepam as i seem to be suffering from stress and anxiety right now just because I am struggling with what ever I have and the impact it is having on my day to day life. Hopefully i will get some answers soon. 

Speak soon. Amanda x

Actually it has been proven when they cut out the upper wisdom teeth they can damage the trigeminal nerve that's what happened to me 5 years ago, but just pulling them out there should not be any damage i haven't been in remission yet even though it's been 5 years but I also can't take antisezur med because of adverse reactions, a month ago I did get a knot in my lower jaw and a lump in my neck this was due to a infection in one of my saliva glands I know it's really late response but good luck to you and I hope the medicine helps you

Hi Rachis So sorry for you.If you have TN how are you coping with the pain? What drugs are you taking or have taken in the past?How awful to have it when you try to sleep.Even when I had the pain it was never at night.,and still got 8 hrs sleep.I noticed that all the attacks happened in the bedroom so at its worst would take an opiate and go to bed.Most sufferers do not have it when asleep but of course must be on medications. Best wishes.

It is worse laying down and at night the feeling seem to escalate but any illness is worse at night I think.I've had some bad nights in agony before too then I taor another lamotrigine and go sleep but my dosage is low so you'd better consult your doctor before upping anything.

I take lamotrigine as the side effects are alot less and I need to concentrate at work and not feel zombiefied.

Hi rachis,

Does your pain ever go away for a week or month?

I found it weird how mine was here for a week away for 3 months and then back again for another 2-3 weeks.

Also my pain was worse at night couldn't sleep with it!

try a bag of frozen peas held to the side of your face and move the bag so-as to cool half of your head down  . i feel ur pain  20 yrs sufferer

Yours is just like mine. Your not in remission and if your young and on a monthly period cycle that will be triggering it and you'll need migraine tablets plus your usual meds but of course discuss this with your doc.