I've been displaying the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia for the last week however, I'm currently on antibiotics to rule out any sinus infection. Is it typical for the symptoms to come on gradually? My pain was at its worst yesterday but seems to have subsided today. Is this typical or is it likely I am in fact suffering from something else? Confused!
Hi Jackie
I'm going through similar now. I have face,ear and gum /teeth aches and sensations a roiling my skull. I have bad sinuses although no infection detected. I've had a camera put up my nose and I have unusual structure. I've had a ct scan of the sinus a few weeks back awaiting results. The specialist had mentioned the possibility of TN but just getting the sinus but out the way first. Had these symptoms now for about a year.
When I started getting my pains and they did not know what caused them they perscribed Gabapentin. If the pain then went away they would know it was TN, although you have to give it several days before it goes into effect fully. Gabapentin also called Neurontin is a very common drug. Unfortunately I did not wait long enough and stopped, and then suffered a while before it became obvious.
Hi Jackie
My symptoms rarely come on gradually but do slowly subside. I can go for months without any pain then suddenly, without warning, I'm knocked for six! I immediately turn to drugs for pain relief and take great care not to aggravate the situation - this means taking extra care over cleaning my teeth, eating, washing etc. I wait for the next period of remission!
I believe this is the typical pattern except that the periods of remission become shorter and the periods of attack become longer!
It sounds like early days for you and I hope it's no more than a temporary sinus problem. Best wishes. Colin
Hi Colin, just wondering if there is a typical/average time from when you 1st get TN to when the 1st set of remissions start? Probably different for everyone, but just thought i would ask!
Jackie, I went undiagnosed for nearly 10 years Was treated for chronic sinus infections, multiple root canals and teeth extracted I recently obtained copies of my previous gp records and read his notes My symypms in his opioids were anxiety and stress related Yikes I finally started treatment with a neuro three years ago Please see a neuro if you suspect TN Seems most gps aren't as well informed and miss clear signs and symptoms Good luck! Wish you well !!
Just an update to my symptoms every morning when I wake up my teeth are so so sensitive and have that type feeling in them and my ears burn. I'm still awaiting results of a ct scan on my face/sinus to see if that.
I'd classic TN in Sept 2012 and broke my hip in Feb 2013. Woke up after hip op with no T N .So Falling over helps! Remission lasted till Dec 2014 when argued with son. So silly. So TN then till May 2015 with Acupuncture. sTILL IN REMISSION NOW ..........June 2016