Hello, my name is Richard. I had TN for 23 years & was on very high dosages (1200 mgs or more) of Tegretol (Carbamazepine) for most of that time. I underwent a total of 6 operations before the problem was cured in 2004. I had cryotherapy 3 times, radiofrequency lesion twice and finally had an MVD done after an enhanced MRI scan showed an artery likely to be compressing the nerve. I believe I can offer TN sufferers or their carers understanding of what they are enduring and help them to decide on their best course of action