Confused about TN diagnosis

Brain and nerves
1

Hi,
It all started with an extreme irritation above my upper molar tooth. Like something was stuck there, poking me, buzzing, itching (can’t really explain the sensation) but it was not pain exactly. Just unbearable irritation. So went to my dentist. The x-ray showed infection so I proceeded on to the RCT and what not. Even after multiple sessions the irritation did not go away. So I just extracted the tooth, but that did not work either. So the dentist sent me to an ENT who took a CT scan which showed polyps on both my sinuses. So took steroids for that and other meds. Nothing worked to subside the irritation. So went to a Neurologist and took an MRI which showed nothing. Still was prescribed with Carbamazepine, Gabapentin and dosulepin with Vitamin B12 supplements. Took them for about 3 months, but still nothing. Then was referred to a neuro - psychiatrist who prescribed zosert and lorazepam and some other stuff. Consulted a psychologist too. Nothing helped. So went back to another ENT who referred me to a pain management specialist and then was diagnosed with TN2. Did a nerve block procedure which did not work. He said he would try with another nerve next week, but lo and behold my country went into lock down two days later with covid cases rising exponentially. So its been almost a month stuck at home and the irritation has become worse. Nothing works.

So anyway sorry for the long winded post and maybe bad grammar, but I am just confused about something. I started reading up on TN and everywhere people describe it as painful and like an electric shock, Whereas mine feels more like a dull, numb, extreme irritation which exists on my upper gum area but not pain exactly. There is some occasional pain in my jaws and temple area when I open my mouth though. So is that really TN or could it still be something else? Can someone please help.

2

Hi,
There are two types of TN, ‘1’ is the excruciating stabbing, electric shocks and piercing pain, ‘2’ is often considered to be the less painful as it rarely involves the electric shock pain. Both are difficult to diagnose and treat. Every sufferer has a unique experience but with similarities to others. What works for me might not for you. During a bad attack I use a scalding (almost volcanic) hot water bottle, it fools my brain into thinking my face is just a tad warm! I also have an arsenal of drugs. However, I’m finding it harder to deal with the increasing episodes of pain so a chat with the GP is on the cards. Unfortunately, Covid has made the situation very difficult for those of us who have pain conditions as they are likely to be lower down the list of priorities for Healthcare systems.
Find a good GP and try to stick with the same one, also get a referral to a good Neurologist.
Good luck

3

is there a trigger point?

4

Hi there! I am new sufferer from Hong Kong. The pandemic is severe here in Hong Kong. I stay home all the time. I am now trying Chinese medicine. I would like to hear more other peoples experience and share mine. i found that when i drink warm water the pain reduced a little. when i sleep i put taurine powder in my mouth and not to swallow it. it helps me to sleep with less pain. quercetin powder works too. the oral membrane can absorb.
massage of other parts of the body but not the face that can help to reduce the pain in the face. with the acupressure points.