Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: shrosphirelass on February 08, 2021, 06:41:35 PM

Title: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: shrosphirelass on February 08, 2021, 06:41:35 PM
As some of you will know I have spent the last 4 weeks posting about my ongoing bad toothache. Today I returned to the dentist and he said that as he had removed the nerve and cleaned out the roots and given me antibiotics the pain must not be anything to do with my teeth and he says I fit the profile for someone with trigeminal neuralgia ie a woman over 50! so essentaillly he said there was nothing else he could do. I hadn't even finished the final root canal treatment.

My question is, would you say TGN it is like a constant nagging toothache. I looked at the NHS site and it decribed it as episodes of sharp electric like pain. My pain is more constant with the occasional additional flash of pain additionally. I also have a very bad taste in mouth everytme I lie down.
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: Sparrow on February 08, 2021, 07:06:53 PM
As some of you will know I have spent the last 4 weeks posting about my ongoing bad toothache. Today I returned to the dentist and he said that as he had removed the nerve and cleaned out the roots and given me antibiotics the pain must not be anything to do with my teeth and he says I fit the profile for someone with trigeminal neuralgia ie a woman over 50! so essentaillly he said there was nothing else he could do. I hadn't even finished the final root canal treatment.

My question is, would you say TGN it is like a constant nagging toothache. I looked at the NHS site and it decribed it as episodes of sharp electric like pain. My pain is more constant with the occasional additional flash of pain additionally. I also have a very bad taste in mouth everytme I lie down.

I think you may have more than one tooth infected.  It's not always possible to tell from xrays or the cold and tap tests.

Not sure about the neuralgia.  I did have something similar a few years back.  It did not affect my teeth though but was in my jaw joint and down the side of my face.

Maybe concider a different dentist or talk to your GP.

Really sorry you haven't got a solution yet. 😕
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: Uptick on February 08, 2021, 07:17:58 PM
Hi there, it's not just infection that can cause toothache, but I doubt this is trigeminal neuralgia. I had a fractured root (not always seen on radiographies) and it was causing an inflammatory reaction that has destroyed the bone. Fortunately it was dealt with in time and what's left of the bone could hold an implant. I had the most horrendous pain and there was no infection whatsoever.
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: Kathleen on February 08, 2021, 07:19:32 PM
Hello Shropshirelass.

I am so sorry that you are suffering.

I agree with everything Shadyglade has said and surely the horrible taste in your mouth must be linked somehow. Perhaps ask your GP for a referral to the dental department of your local hospital.

Many years ago I had to have an impacted tooth removed under general anaesthetic as the dentist told me it would be too difficult for him to do.  Also have you considered wearing a mouth guard at night  if you are grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw muscles?

Hope you feel better soon and let us know how you get on.

Take care.

K.

Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: CLKD on February 08, 2021, 07:27:42 PM
Nope.   TGN strikes unexpectedly and suddenly.  Like a sharp indescribable pain.  Have you ever suffered, years++ ago.  Not something you would forget.

When it struck me I would drop the floor.  I'm sure people thought that I was drunk when walking the dog.  No warning of that acute pain. 

I did have a repetition 2 years ago after implant treatment.  The work triggered that particular nerve, fortunately it eased off without treatment.

A bad taste seems to be signs of infection, which an X-ray should show if it's in the root area.  Is he a young dentist?  MayB ask for a 2nd opinion.
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: shrosphirelass on February 08, 2021, 08:37:23 PM
Hi there, it's not just infection that can cause toothache, but I doubt this is trigeminal neuralgia. I had a fractured root (not always seen on radiographies) and it was causing an inflammatory reaction that has destroyed the bone. Fortunately it was dealt with in time and what's left of the bone could hold an implant. I had the most horrendous pain and there was no infection whatsoever.

Hi uptick, do you mind me asking how did they diagnose it?
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: shrosphirelass on February 08, 2021, 08:39:18 PM
Nope.   TGN strikes unexpectedly and suddenly.  Like a sharp indescribable pain.  Have you ever suffered, years++ ago.  Not something you would forget.

When it struck me I would drop the floor.  I'm sure people thought that I was drunk when walking the dog.  No warning of that acute pain. 

I did have a repetition 2 years ago after implant treatment.  The work triggered that particular nerve, fortunately it eased off without treatment.

A bad taste seems to be signs of infection, which an X-ray should show if it's in the root area.  Is he a young dentist?  MayB ask for a 2nd opinion.

I think I know the pain you mean. A couple of years ago I had a tooth extracted and developed dry socket. Following this I had bursts of excrutiating pain just flashes went on for a couple of weeks and then settled. I think that was something to do with the nerves, but this although it is very painful is not like that at all.
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: shrosphirelass on February 08, 2021, 08:48:44 PM
Thanks all. I did ask for a referal to a root canal specialist which he said he would do, though his clinical judgement was trigeminal neuralgia and I should make an appointment at the GP's. He said it was possible though unlikely, he had missed a 4th root or the tooth was cracked, but his xrays didn't show that and he hasn't got access to advanced equipment. The problem is, cost aside, that they wont be able to see me for several weeks as I am not an existing patient and they are backed up.

Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: Uptick on February 08, 2021, 08:56:53 PM
A private dentist took another X-ray that showed a vertical root fracture.
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: CLKD on February 09, 2021, 09:44:30 AM
Which tooth is it?  I can't remember  :-\
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: shrosphirelass on February 09, 2021, 11:42:56 AM
Thanks uptick, I'm hoping to get seen by a specialist. He's had the referral and they will be in touch. Fingers crossed it's soon.

CLKD its an upper molar (but possibily two adjacent teeth have issues)
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: CLKD on February 09, 2021, 11:44:01 AM
Have you looked at the UK support group for trigeminal neuralgia?  Do you have to travel far for the appt.? 
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: CLKD on February 09, 2021, 11:45:24 AM
A registered charity


WE ARE the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK (TNA UK).  We provide information, support and encouragement to those who suffer this excruciatingly painful condition. Our aim is to raise awareness of TN within the medical community and the general public at large. 
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: Padine on February 09, 2021, 02:43:54 PM
 Hi Shropshirelass, when I was diagnosed with TGN the dentist (an experienced one) had done all necessary treatment, X-rays etc that she possibly could then referred me to the GP who correctly diagnosed the TGN. (GP did say prescribing correct drug could be tricky and take an exact note of name+dosage of meds I tried. Luckily first drug was ok but it took a month to find the correct dosage. Twice while on holiday (yeas ago!) I hadn't packed enough so for last 4 days I rationed myself to 2 daily instead of 3 - by the time I got home my mouth was throbbing and I won't ever do that again!)
When I thought I had TGN on other side of my mouth, I phoned (new) GP (Lockdown rules by now hence phone call), told him and within 2 sentences he said to go to dentist as it sounds like a tooth decay problem. Dentist diagnosed infection on phone,2 lots of anti bs and no more pain (no further treatment required! Hurray!!)
          This will get sorted Shropshirelass, hope it's soon xx
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: CLKD on February 09, 2021, 02:52:15 PM
TGN is so unexpected  :o .......... it can leave a feeling of being bruised and can be eased by delicate surgical intervention.
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: shrosphirelass on February 09, 2021, 05:27:06 PM
Hi Shropshirelass, when I was diagnosed with TGN the dentist (an experienced one) had done all necessary treatment, X-rays etc that she possibly could then referred me to the GP who correctly diagnosed the TGN. (GP did say prescribing correct drug could be tricky and take an exact note of name+dosage of meds I tried. Luckily first drug was ok but it took a month to find the correct dosage. Twice while on holiday (yeas ago!) I hadn't packed enough so for last 4 days I rationed myself to 2 daily instead of 3 - by the time I got home my mouth was throbbing and I won't ever do that again!)
When I thought I had TGN on other side of my mouth, I phoned (new) GP (Lockdown rules by now hence phone call), told him and within 2 sentences he said to go to dentist as it sounds like a tooth decay problem. Dentist diagnosed infection on phone,2 lots of anti bs and no more pain (no further treatment required! Hurray!!)
          This will get sorted Shropshirelass, hope it's soon xx

Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: shrosphirelass on February 09, 2021, 05:28:28 PM
Have you looked at the UK support group for trigeminal neuralgia?  Do you have to travel far for the appt.?

The referral is for a specialist dentist not for TGN, ruling the tooth out first.
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: shrosphirelass on February 09, 2021, 05:30:13 PM
Have you looked at the UK support group for trigeminal neuralgia?  Do you have to travel far for the appt.?

The referral is for a specialist dentist not for TGN, ruling the tooth out first.

Hi Shropshirelass, when I was diagnosed with TGN the dentist (an experienced one) had done all necessary treatment, X-rays etc that she possibly could then referred me to the GP who correctly diagnosed the TGN. (GP did say prescribing correct drug could be tricky and take an exact note of name+dosage of meds I tried. Luckily first drug was ok but it took a month to find the correct dosage. Twice while on holiday (yeas ago!) I hadn't packed enough so for last 4 days I rationed myself to 2 daily instead of 3 - by the time I got home my mouth was throbbing and I won't ever do that again!)
When I thought I had TGN on other side of my mouth, I phoned (new) GP (Lockdown rules by now hence phone call), told him and within 2 sentences he said to go to dentist as it sounds like a tooth decay problem. Dentist diagnosed infection on phone,2 lots of anti bs and no more pain (no further treatment required! Hurray!!)
          This will get sorted Shropshirelass, hope it's soon xx

Thanks Padine. Did your initial pain feel like toothache , ie constant in one area, specifc teeth. Ive heard really scary stories about the drugs for TGN so its really good to hear that they've helped you. Do you take them constantly or just when you have a flare up? Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: CLKD on February 09, 2021, 05:30:31 PM
Let us know how you get on.
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: Padine on February 10, 2021, 05:00:53 PM
 Sorry for later reply.
 Initially yes, the pain was (like) raging, throbbing toothache. I have a bridge in the 3 teeth next to tooth where pain was (pain tooth 1, bridge teeth 2,3,4 ) and I was worried that the gum would swell so much that my bridge would break or pop out. Please don't listen to horror stories about meds for TGN. (It's not called the Suicide disease for nothing! And that was a neurosurgeon speaking from experiences with suffering patients) Any meds to get rid of the pain are welcome. If anything, my pain became during the 4 days before I got my wonder-medication!) I'm not entirely sure that TGN would come and go? 
  Take what you can for the pain.
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2021, 10:18:26 AM
TGN is intermittent.  It can leave a bruising effect though which can radiate through various nerve endings.  That particular nerve runs under a large blood vessel which can become impacted onto the nerve.  I had Amyitriptalene which did nowt  :'(
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: shrosphirelass on February 11, 2021, 11:37:12 AM
still waiting to hear if the specialist dentist will see me, feeling quite desperate

Maybe people experience TGN differently, sounds lile it from your CLKD and Padines experience
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2021, 11:49:26 AM
I would ring and push that you are in intense pain and with the weekend approaching ........... I feel for you I really do.  Nothing on the website states that TGN is intermittent.  I can still feel the area like a bruise, even after 25 years. 

Did U sleep?
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: shrosphirelass on February 12, 2021, 04:33:06 PM
See update on root canal pain thread
Title: Re: Trigeminal neuralgia
Post by: CLKD on February 12, 2021, 04:34:00 PM
I did  ;)