Type I or Type II, or Both. What am I?

Comment

Comment by Pamela K on September 16, 2011 at 10:05pm

I've been told that I have Atypical Facial Pain.  I'm not really sure what that means.  I am taking Tegretol and have, thankfully, responded well to it.  I'm having some side effects that affect my mood and am trying to cope with that (as is my family).  I'm going back to see my Neurologist in November.  I'm going to ask her about if I am TN or what.  What does Atypical Facial Pain mean anyway?

Comment by Don Vandenack on July 4, 2011 at 5:31pm

I am type 1, and still having a lot of pain at night.

Comment by Stef on May 26, 2011 at 10:52pm

Judy,

 

I have always found Valium a useful medication in my pain control regimen.  I am not certain as to why, perhaps it is the muscle relaxant property of the drug.   I am not particularly prone to anxiety, more than most people.  They often prescribe it for such things.  However, it is often prescribed to chronic pain patients.

How is it working for you?

Hugs,

 

Stef

Comment by Judy D'Arcy-Evans on March 30, 2011 at 9:40pm

The oral guy said I have TMD and asked my doc to give me valium, which to my surprise he did and yes I sneek it in more often when gets painful. but I know my Psych will not give me anymore. Am seeing him next week and will discuss medications as I am on a few for various other conditions... ADD/ AS

Comment by Stef on March 30, 2011 at 9:19pm

Hi, Judy.

 

It is strange.  The subject of hormones affecting one's pain was just addressed in another forum.  YES!  I have ATN, or Type II and my the teeth throbbing, jaw crushing, temple squashing, cheek/palate/tongue burning searing old flair ups I have are MONSTER around that "hormonal" time of the month, for me.  

I spent a lot of money on Cortizone injections, when they thought I had TMJ.  

 

A lot of times Atypical TN patients are mistaken for TMJ patients.  I see that a lot. That would fall under the "oral specialty".

It would seem that you would be able to call your "shrink" or the pharmacy and see if your prescriptions are safe to take together, or you could wait.  

 

I have found my psychologist has been a most inspirational resource in helping me deal with my chronic pain.  I began seeing her after my husband passed away.  She encourages me.  

I am going back to your page to read your symptoms.  I am no doctor.  Of course, but Type I, or classic Trigeminal Neuralgia patients usually attacks that are shocking in nature, with triggers like cold, or sometimes even slight touch.  

I am Type II, or ATN, Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia.  I am so thankful that I have FINALLY found a doctor who understands exactly what THAT IS!  I just wish he were a Neurosurgeon!  He's a Pain Management Specialist.

Either way, I hope you find either the medications or procedure which gives you relief as soon as possible.

Wishing you informed and compassionate care!

 

Your friend,

 

Stef 

Comment by Judy D'Arcy-Evans on March 30, 2011 at 9:03pm

My doctor did not say what type I have, as I did not know what I have after being sent on the run around. It seems to get severe around that time of the month and when my usual hormonal migraines happen. Wasted so much time and money going to dentists and oral specialists as they tend to pass me back and forth and then back to the shrink... at least the neurologist who treats my migraines seems to understand but I think he is just going to experiment to see when I take the drugs to see what happens.

I am not going to start them till I see my shrink to make sure it is ok to combine so many sorts.

Comment by Stef on March 6, 2011 at 10:31pm

If anyone feels that they fall into the group of Type II, or Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia, there is a group for this.  E-mail me for a formal an invitation, or simply look for the famous painting "the scream" icon and join us.

You never know who you may help with your input.

Comment by Stef on March 6, 2011 at 10:29pm

Hello,

Wikipedia provides the most apt description I have read anywhere, thus far, in my online research, on the two types of Trigeminal Neuralgia.  Here are the links to the pages which give an in-depth description of Trigeminal and Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia in that order:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigeminal_neuralgia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atypical_trigeminal_neuralgia

 

Note:  My symptoms entirely parallel the description of Type II, or Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia symtoms.

 

Reading these pages finally provided clarity to me.  I do not use the internet to self-diagnose.  My diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia was validated by two physicians so far, the first of which I did not even provide my suspicions to.

 

However, a third physician I saw after initial diagnosis, called my condition "Atypical Facial Pain" on the order for my MRI.  This is a catch-all phrase used to describe many pain conditions in the facial area, I believe, and is not specific to my condition which, in which the pain directly follows the pathway of the the 5th cranial, or Trigeminal Nerve.

 

I created this page to serve so many facial pain sufferers who join "Living With TN", who do not know what type of Trigeminal Neuralgia they have.  

Symptoms of the two types overlap.

 

Recently, I have been experiencing pain of an intermittent "shock type" quality, which is the hallmark of Type I, Trigeminal Neuralgia.  However, I am thankful, that they are not as severe as some suffers experience.

 

I hope these links are helpful.

 

If any other members have input, a helpful link to share, or would like to share the stories of their symptoms, please feel free to post a comment or discussion.

 

As always, wishing informed and compassionate care to all.

 

Stef