Trigmenial Neuralgia

I had problems off and on for over a year with face pain.  I was diagnosed with having TN and placed on the generic form of Tegretol.  It started as an ice pick pain above my left ear.  Then it moved into the nostril and was so bad that with each episode my head would pop back like I was being shot.  

Now I have yet another pain in my face, but it's different.  It's on the left again underneath my cheek bone.  It makes me feel like I have a toothache in my cheek (burning).  I'm also getting the sharp nose pain in the side of my nostril.  Today, I'm having what looks like tics in my face on that same side.  Does this sound like TN or something different?  I didn't know spasms were part of that . . .

I wonder why people with MS get TN, anyway.  Does anyone know?  

[COBOB]

Sounds like Trigeminal neuralgia (TN).  The Trigeminal nerve has 3 main branches.  There are motor component along with the sensory ones.  It can cause motor tic and was known as tic douloureux at one time.

Bob

[Deb61]

Thanks, Bob.  I don't like this motor tic.  Any movement in my face makes it hurt worse.  Hopefully the medicine takes care of it.  I said it was a generic of Tegretol but actually I'm taking a generic of Neurontin (gabapentin).  I saw your post on the TN and assumed without looking that that was what I was taking.  

I'm happy to hear that you have some good news on your blood work tests so that you can continue the Tegretol.  How long have you had the TN?  Does the Tegretol work for you better than you think the Neurontin?

Your symptoms sound similar to mine.  I had trouble with ON (diagnosed with it just after the MS diagnosis).  I also have spasticity.  I guess these symptoms are pretty common for people with MS, though . . .

[drsdonthelp]

Hi Deb,
I don't know what my doc, calls it, because he never said, but I have had the random burst of electrifying pain on the side of my left face. It has happened quite a bit and lasts for less than 5 seconds, but i have also had it on the right side deep ear pain side of face. Mine seems to come and go mostly happening on the left side, but maybe two or three times, I had it on the right.

Hugs,
Pam

[Deb61]

I bet it's TN.  From what I experienced it comes and goes in lightning fast multi-spurts of electrifying pain.  It has kept me awake at night, but it is usually worse when I move my mouth.  I hope you find some relief.