About 20 years ago, at the age of 57, the pain started in the lower right side of my face. Felt like a bad tooth ach. I had two root canals, which did not help. The pain would come and go over time, and each time the pain got worse. Then the bolts of lighting started shooting up into my brain. The dentist suggested I go to a Neurologist. The Neurologist told me I had TN. 

He started me on Tegretol, but the side effect was Alopecia Universal. I then went for Stereotactive Radiofrequency Lesion, it did not work, and it only left me with painful earaches. I then went on Dilation, did not help.

I went to a homeopathic doctor, he helped me for only three months. I tried acupuncture, it did not work. I then went on Neurontin, along with Topamax and pain medication. Helped slightly, then it got to the point that I was unable to move, eat, walk, be touched or lay down to sleep due to the bolts of lighting. At that time I contemplated suicide.

Thru the TNA newsletter, I found a local support group. At one of the meetings, Dr. Jordon Grabel, of Palm Beach, Florida spoke to us about non-invasive Gamma Knife Treatment I went to have the treatment, but it did not work well, six months latter he tried it again that was two and a half years ago and I have been pain free since. I take 12 mg per day of Neurontin as a preventive.

Updated 12-30-05