Trigeminal nerve damage

[LHS2000]

My mother had six teeth removed almost 2 years ago.  She's had various surgeries to remove bone that was left in her gum.  There was some nerve damage during this time but she could tolerate the pain.  She was sent to a neurosurgeon at Ohio State
University to try to seal off the nerve endings.  She was never told of any side effects before the procedure.  After the procedure she was in terrific pain and her face was numb on the side that the operation was on.  He told her they would try again to seal off the nerve endings and went in again to no avail.  He then said he couldn't do anymore for her and did not see her for a follow up.  She has been to a pain clinic in Columbus with no results.  They told her that the Trigenminal nerve had been damaged by the neurosurgeon.  
She is 78 years old and is in severe pain all the time.  Our family is very concerned about her and are at our wit end in trying to get someone to help her.  She can't wear teeth on top so what she eats is very limited.  She stopped driving and very seldom goes anywhere.  She tries ice packs to numb the pain.  All the pain medicine she has been given makes her very sick to her stomach.
My question is to you, can this nerve ever be repaired?  She says she cannot go on like this the rest of her life.  Thank
you for taking the time to answer.

[mishmashh]

A related discussion, Trigeminal Nerve Damage was started.

[anniealbert]

Twenty-five years ago I had symptoms of what I could thought must be tetnus. My jaw snapped shut and I could not open my mouth until this "spasm" subsided. There was no pain usually assocaiated with this area. Had arterialogram. Neurologist's never gave a dx. Neurosurgeon wanted to go in and take a look around. We did not do surgery. They all seemed facinated with this. Lidocain (sp?) was injected into my temporalis muscle but was not absorbed. There seemed to be a "trigger point" on the terporalis muscle. I was told the only thing they could do to stop these almost constant spasms was to give me something so stong it would also knock me out. Took Tegratol for years until a divorce ceased insurance and could not afford it. During this time of not using meds. the spasm's ceased unless I attemped to chew gum. Several years the spasm's have recurred. Have not sought treatment in years. Any idea's? Would love to be able to have these symtoms at least moderated. Thank you, Anne Bidez

[j1865]

A related discussion, post herpetic neuralgia was started.

[LindaMeg]

A related discussion, Trigeminal Nerve Damage was started.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Without reviewing the specifics of your mother case it is difficult to state what the treatment options are. Medical therapy which should be tried include treatments for trigeminal neuralgia, which include tri-cyclic anti-depressants (Elavil), and anti seizure medications (such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and gabapentin).

What I would recommend is an appointment with our Pain Management center. They will be able to evalaute your mother and recommend a treatment plan. You could also ask about other surgical options. Good luck.