Trigeminal Neuralgia

[Mac510]

I have been living with trigeminal neuralgia since 2004 when it was first diagnosed. I am taking carbamazepine, occasional lamotrigine and have recently been advised by my neurologist to add pregabalin, 2 daily. At present, my TN has shifted from the usual position from the left side of my face and down the left side of my nose to a new and very painful path from the scalp (front forehead) and down the left side of my nose. I cannot bear to touch my scalp without bringing on a spasm. Is it normal for trigeminal neuralgia to change position in this way? Thank you.

[Michael Lim, MD]

In general, it is possible to TN to change in distribution over time.  I would suggest getting reevaluated by your neurologist.  If medical therapy fails, there are very effective surgical therapies!  Good luck!

[hava]

While waiting for medical answer, try the following.If this helps, come back and I will post the complete set of exercises to help you.
Anulom Vilom –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 15 to 30  minutes twice a day(maximum 60 minutes in one day). If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after 2 minutes.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.