Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Trigeminal Neuralgia Progression

Would someone who has Trigeminal Neuralgia please help me out with the progression of this condition.  For about a week now - I have numbness above my left eye that seems to have gotten worse everyday - first my eyebrow, then my forehead and now my skull.  I have a low grade headache at times and when I lift my eyebrow, pain shoots up my forehead and skull, although not intense pain.  I went to see my PCP and he thinks it is Trigeminal Neuralgia and wants to do an MRI.  Are my symptoms consistant with TN?  Does TN start with low grade pain and numbness and then increase in pain over time?  How long does it take for the pain to intensify?  The numbness is constant and low grade pain is triggered by lifting my left eybrow?
Please help me understand the progression of this condition.
Thanks!
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I understand that everyone's experience with TN differs but is there an average time table from the initiatial symptoms of TN to pain severe enough for medications to medication not effect enough resulting in surgery?  I know of only one case from people of have told about my symptoms - in this individual (58 yr old) her pain was initially mild to moderate (like mine) gradually worsening over a period of 6 months - then she had to take pain meds to withstand the pain.  She tried different meds for 2 1/2 years until none of them helped her consistantly.  She had MVD surgery a month ago with immediate releaf and hasn't had pain since (although it has only been a month).  Is this a typical time line for this disorder?
Thanks!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
MRI will not only rule out any brain tumor, but also see if there are any infarcts or bleed. The numbness could possibly be due to Trigeminal Neuralgia but here the pain is more sudden and stabbing.
It can be due TN.
Yes eventually it will develop.
Yes you can discuss any issue if you feel you have not understood.
Keep me posted if you have any queries.
Bye.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, the information did help - thank you!  I am having an MRI the 21st.  The MRI will not show anything except rule out brain tumor?  You mentioned that sensory deficit cannot be demonstrated - the constant partial numbness of the left side of my forehead and skull rules out TN - or is the numbness the progression of TN symptoms?  Would the feeling of stabbing pain shooting through my skin in the numbed area when I touch my eyebrow be consistant with TN symptoms?  The pain is not initiated unless I touch the eyebrow area.  If it is TN - will the pain more than likely appear in the other two branches of the nerve - eventually?  I will see a neurologist but wanted to learn as much as I can prior to the visit.
Thanks!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by frequent, excruciating paroxysms of pain in lips, gums, cheek, or chin lasting seconds to minutes.
The Pain which is severe in nature, stabbing type, lasting for few seconds to minute and which has a triggering factor to it describes pain of trigeminal neuralgia.
Physical examination of the patient is normal. Most patients cause is compression due to overgrowth like some tumor in its pathway.
Typically presents in middle or old age. Pain is often stimulated at trigger points.
Sensory deficit cannot be demonstrated. This condition must be distinguished from other forms of facial pain arising from diseases of jaw, teeth, or sinuses.
Rare causes are herpes zoster or a tumor.
Comprehensive pain management care is helpful.
Contrary to this your symptoms are slow progression of symptoms.
Your symptoms appear to be due to nerve compression at the cervical vertebrae level.
I think you should consult a neurologist and an orthopaedician for further assistance an diagnosis.
Hope this helps.
Bye.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Neurology Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease