Posted by Todd (64.34.202.197) on March 05, 2001 at 21:45:35:
In Reply to: Cluster/Trigeminal Headache Cured posted by Robert G. Frie on March 05, 2001 at 12:35:59:
"Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia (also known as tic douloureux) is a disorder of the sensory divisions of the trigeminal nerve which occurs with somewhat greater frequency in women than in men, and generally in older age groups. The pain is typically momentary, severe, razor sharp, and stabbing, separated by pain-free intervals. The maxillary and mandibular divisions are more frequently affected than the ophthalmic branch. The pain may affect one or more branches but never spreads beyond the distribution of the trigeminal nerve.
The pain is precipitated by touching trigger zones on the face or in the mouth, usually in an area around the nasolabial fold, but may occur anywhere from the chin to forehead. Activation of the trigger zone may result from the slightest touch and even a gentle breeze blowing across the face may induce a paroxysm of pain. Most frequently the act of eating, chewing or shaving triggers the attack. The patient ceases to talk when the pain strikes and will often hold his or her face and wince, mimicking a tic. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission with an overall tendency to have increasing severity, frequency and duration of the attacks."
This is from Gamma Knife
I have no idea if MSM is beneficial for TN, although the info found at Quackwatch (thanks, Ueli) indicates that it probably isn't.
I do know that TN and CH are not the same disorder, although some people with either have been misdiagnosed with the other.
Personally, I believe that while even false hope may provide a moment of peace in this spiral of hurt, the eventual let-down and feeling of being played the fool yet again far outweighs any such emphemeral, transient "peace".
When Dr. Peter J. Goadsby proved through the use of advanced PET investigation of the hypothalmi of known clusterheads that we have a physical deformity, the news hit the BBC, the New York Times, USA Today and countless other media sources almost immediately. For this reason, I find it extremely difficult to believe that the "cure" will be announced by a first time visitor to ch.com who was diagnosed by a dentist, apparently confuses TN with CH and refuses to provide any details.
If this in some way makes me a 'bad person', I'll just go sit in the corner with Ueli, BobG, BobP, TomM, jonny and tami, et al.
KTSSU,
T