I've had TN for 23 yrs now. It's painful...bottom line.

I also have the continual low-grade pain, with zaps intermittently. Try to avoid chewing on that side, chewing hard things, very sour or sweet things, very cold things, and cold temperatures outside.

You'll learn your own specific triggers, beth, if this continues. I pray there's a cause though that's not yet been found and you'll feel better.

Nerve pain is hell on earth and I'm sorry you know my experience. Pain management saved my quality of life after trying to deal for the first 16 years.

Beth, PLEASE have dr refer you first to an ENT for CT scan. I had a large cyst in my maxiallary sinus that was causing mine. I just had the unfortunate problem of nerve damage during that time with a bad surgery.

Please check the sinus and if that's clear, have teeth checked on that side. A "silent" abcess can press on the trigeminal nerve as well.

There's usually a cause and if you've not had recent dental work, surgeries, etc., the cause might yet to be found and you might feel GOBS better.

Also check out the trigeminal neuralgia board at our sister site...neurotalk, OK? Good info there. This will take you straight into that specific forum: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=26

Good luck (((((((((((beth)))))))))))))

KD