diet

I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia yesterday and have been prescribed oxcarbazepine also hydrocodone for pain. I know I can trigger the attacks by movement of my head but I also get attacks by putting various foods in my mouth. I really don't even get a chance to taste them since I go into pain immediately. Do you have a list of triggering foods available? Common sense tells me no acid or "hot" seasoned foods but a taste of Hungry Jack mashed potatoes did me in tonight for 2 1/2 hrs. Is that typical? Was it the salt content (I did not add), all I added was butter, was it that? I need help in determining which foods to choose and what ingredients to stay away from. I felt better after 2 doses of oxcar... so I had some coffee after not all this week. When I went off this evening I also had head pain for the 1st time. No coffee?? I am all set to get a handle on this but the selection of food is a mystery. Who'd have thought mashed potatoes would have triggered an attack? Please help! You know I'll love you forever!!! Thanks, Alice

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by nerve compression. The mere acts of opening the mouth, stroking the face, brushing the teeth may irritate the trigeminal nerve and cause pain. Aggravation of pain after eating may be due to irritation of nerve due to mouth opening and it may be worsened by some particular foods. Food triggers are different for different persons. Some people find cold foods worsening the pain whereas some find spicy foods intolerable. Foods that contain a lot of fat may also trigger the pain. For you it seems to be the same. Please avoid spicy, high salt and high fat diet. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!