Eye Pain after Surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia

[Kay__0__0]

  I had a Rhizotomy for Trigeminal Neuralgia, with some complications, and then after some months of recurring pain, I had a Microvascular Decompression.  The later proceedure was great, and I am free of the pain I had.  However, the first proceedure left me with a stabbing pain in my eye, and a pins and needles feeling over my eye and down my nose.  When the pain in my eye starts, my nose runs, and my eye tears.  It can be very embarassing, but more than that, the pain is debilitating.  I have been told I have painful anesthesia, and am trying some antidepressants to ease the pain.  So far, there hasn't been any help for me.  Is there anything else I can pursue?  It has been over a year now, and is not getting any better.
  Thanks for your help.
  Kay
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Dear Kay,
The condition you describe is called anesthesia dolorosa.  Essentially, you
have pain and numbness in the distribution of the nerve which was treated with
the rhizotomy.  It occurs in 2-4% of cases and is difficult to treat.  Typical
medications are Tegretol, Neurontin, antidepressants and analgesics.  You also
have alteration in lacrimation, which is reported in 20% of cases.  Again,
this is difficult to treat.  
The bottom line in treating this type of pain is use what works.  You may have
to try a few different medications to see what provides the most benefit with
the fewest side-effects.  Speak to your physician in this regard.  
Good luck.