facial numbness with TN

[bisket]

Hi, guys!

Back with another TN-related question. And a BIG thank you for all comments on my last post, you guys rock!

On to the issue, anyone has TN with the numbness?  The face, the tongue and inside of mouth. I have bilateral TN (both sides) and limb/body numbness too. Once, whole right side of my face feel so numb but I didn't think it would affect my tongue that much but then I couldn't speak 'normally' - like the whole mouth was full of my tongue and the words sounded so funny.

Is this normal. I mean with TN?

Is there any thing to help with the tongue numbness? I couldn't imagine being in a conversation and suddenly become incoherent with the 'infant-talk' ... oh no...

PS. I'm on daily gabapentine 300mg x 3.


I'd appreciate any thoughts,

Have a great day everyone~

-B-

[Quixotic1]

Hi, there.

Yes, what you are describing is completely consistent with TN in MS.  TN is a lesion of the 5th Cranial Nerve, the Trigeminal Nerve.  This nerve's main function is the sensation of it's side of the face, so that makes it a sensory nerve.

A sensory nerve with damage can act up in any of several ways.  A good way to learn about this is to read the Health Page on Paresthesias - Things that go BUZZ in the Night.  An affected sensory nerve can also act up in multiple ways pretty much at the same time.  It can send a pain signal to the brain, as in the TN.  But, it can also block the regular sensation impulses from the nerve fiber endings.  This causes the numbness or, more commonly, decreased sensation from that side of the face.

I have seen articles that talk about paresthesias of the face as a precursor to TN and also articles that mention that the sensation in the face on the side of the TN is almost always abnormal in some way.

Numbness is very hard to treat.  It indicates that NO signal is getting through.  It is easier to reduce the tingling or burning than to restore the signal when it is completely gone.

You are only on a modest dose of Gabapentin.  You certainly could speak to your neuro about increasing the dose.  It maxes out at about 3600mg per day.  I'm not hopeful that this would help, but I don't know of any treatments that are effective at treating numbness.

I hope this helps.

Quix

[tjj3761]

Hi,

TN and the numbness that comes along with it is terrible.  Sometimes my throat goes numb and I have a hard time swallowing.  I think this is glossopharyngeal paresthesias.

Quix is right about the Neurontin you are on is a relatively low dose.  I would definitely call your neuro and have him gradually up your dose.  I have learned over the last few years, I take an extra tablet here and there as I need it.  

Neurontin has been a lifesaver to me over the past 6 years.  With the TN though, you will always have occasional numb spots here and there that cannot be controlled.

Hope you feel better.

Terri