is a neuropathic disorder characterized by episodes of intense pain in the face. Originating in one of the three trigeminal nerves. This pain may be felt in any or all of the following: the ear, eye, lips, nose, scalp, forehead, cheeks, teeth, or jaw and alongside of the face, some patients also experience pain in their left index finger; it is not easily controlled or cured. It is estimated that 1 in 15,000 people suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, although the actual figure may be significantly higher due to frequent misdiagnosis.
It is more common in females.
TN brings about severe stabbing pain, electrical shock sensations, a pressure or crushing sensation, and a burning sensation may also be reported ; these sensations may be caused from a touch to the affected area of one's face, but in many patients the pain is generated spontaneously without any apparent stimulation.
Individual attacks usually affect one side of the face at a time, lasting from several seconds to a few minutes and repeat up to hundreds of times throughout the day. The pain also tends to occur in cycles with remissions lasting months or even years.
-from wikipedia
Doctor says I have to take this anticonvulsant drug 3 times daily to control the attacks. I'd have to go thru a series of tests including CBC, ESR, urinalysis, and MRI with contrast- meaning an IV would be inserted on my hand while undergoing MRI.
Inasmuch as I don't want to be depressed, I couldn't help it. If the MRI results comes out badly, I might be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as well. FML.
http://www.fpa-support.org/
