5th Cranial Nerve Damage

Posted By Lynn Margien on October 28, 1997 at 00:41:14:









My ear specialist and neurologist have diagnosed me with severe 5th cranial nerve damage.  I suffer from "rods of electric" like pain that shoots down from the side of my head to just below my right ear (over the mastoid process).  The right side of my face becomes painful then gradually goes numb.  I have had seven right ear surgeries which included the removal of a rather large cholesteatoma several years ago.
The doctors perscribed Neurontin (300 mg) three times a day. The medication is a blessing because it seems to make the pain duller, though at times it is difficult to function because of the increase in occurance and severity when the weather is cold.  My doctor wants to increase the dosage of the medication, but I have a difficult time functioning with the amount currently perscribed.
My questions are:  1.  What is the prognosis for this type of problem?
                              2.  Is there any way to combat the sleepiness which the                                    medication causes?
                              3.  Is it advisable to locate to a warmer climate....are                                    there really any medical benefits?
                              4.  Is there any other treatment available for this                                                problem?
Any information that you can give to me regarding 5th cranial nerve damage would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!