Trigeminal Neuropathy

Today's article from wordslifethings.wordpress.com (see link below) talks about Trigeminal neuropathy; a form of neuropathy less prevalent amongst HIV patients. Nevertheless, you may be diagnosed with this painful condition, or come across it somewhere and wonder if it applies to you. In this case, it affects nerves in the face and is often confused with neuralgia.

About Trigeminal Neuropathy

June 4, 2012 by wordslifethings

Trigeminal Neuropathy is a term that describes a condition whereby the nerves are somehow damaged in the face.

Easily confused with Trigeminal Neuralgia, or ‘Suicide Disease’, the main difference between the two conditions is that with Trigeminal Neuropathy, the nerves are damaged, in Trigeminal Neuralgia often the cause is pressure from a nearby artery upon the Trigeminal nerve, (a cranial nerve that supplies sensation and motor function to the face) this causes restriction and may result in symptoms such as intense pain, needle like sensation, burning or numbness (to name a few).

Another difference between this condition, and Trigeminal Neuropathy is that there are no current treatment options for sufferers of Trigeminal Neuropathy.

Bummer.

As a sufferer for over six years now, I was almost excited to get a diagnosis. Finally. To find out whether it was what I thought it was (it was). A sense of accomplishment filled me initially. I felt I had achieved a huge obstacle in what the hell was wrong, we celebrated, that finally we could have a plan of action. But somehow, having a solid, cemented knowledge of my condition, sent me into a despair. As I realised there are few support groups for the unfortunate sufferers of Trigeminal Neuralgia. I realised that there were even fewer for sufferers Trigeminal Neuropathy, that would be none, zero, ziltch.

I have no frame of reference for what is wrong with me, apart from the things I have learned, and the people I have met along the way. 

It is surprising how much a small thing such as a kind glance can change your outlook for the day. As anyone in chronic pain shall know, it is difficult to control the outlook yourself, sometimes you need a little boost.

For information and help on Trigeminal Neuralgia and facial pain:

The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association: http://www.tna.org.uk/

The Facial Pain Association: http://www.fpa-support.org/

Living With Trigeminal Neuralgia support : http://www.livingwithtn.org/

http://wordslifethings.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/about-trigeminal-neuropathy/