Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group

Trigeminal neuralgia, or Tic Douloureux, is a neuropathic disorder of the trigeminal nerve that causes episodes of intense pain in the eyes, lips, nose, scalp, forehead, and jaw. Trigeminal neuralgia is considered by many to be among the most painful of conditions.

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/ Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group

Sleep...

deleted_user
deleted_user
Does anyone suffer the pain of TN just when laying down or sleeping?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have TN 24/7. It's worse at night simply because my head is attached to my body, and putting pressure on my jaws (both sides = atypical TN) makes the pain much worse.

Do you not have any pain during the day? Maybe you have TMJ, rather than TN....just a thought. Not exactly "better".
deleted_user
deleted_user
My pain gets worse at night, my doc prescribed me amitriptyline, I take 150mg at night, 2 hours after taking it, I pass out and wake up the next morning with the TV still on. Better than roaming the house in the middle of the night.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think most pain is worse at night. I have fibromyalgia as well as TN, and it seems so much worse at night as well.

Another thought: consider your pillow and blankets! I was reading how softer downy pillows aren't as good of a choice for people with TN. I agree. I switched to a firmer pillow and saw some improvement, but I may just be crazy. I'm sure you don't do this, but just in case: make sure you don't have blankets/sheets touching your face and you're not sleeping under a vent. Who knows what can trigger more pain, it isn't worth the risk.
deleted_user
deleted_user
strange - mine is better then...go figure
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've read it's people with "atypical TN" (me) who have pain at night too, and very often it is worse pain than during the day.

"Classic TN" tends to have no pain at night.

That's what I've read. I wonder if this is a true distinction.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes! I have tried different pillows- doesn't make a differece. I absolutly cannot lay on my right side-ouch! I have pain at random times during the day, but can count on having a hard time laying down! My jaws do something funky when I lay down too.
Jill
deleted_user
deleted_user
I sleep sitting up due to acid reflux so have to use a special pillow. I find that I need to sleep with my chin/jaw on top of the pillow or else I have problems.
Becky
deleted_user
deleted_user
Before diagnosis, I always wondered about pain coming at night and worse when I lay down.

I was a long while before I dared to sleep on my right side again, and I only dare do it when I know my Rx are at it's peak, like 1 hour or so after I take them. On bad days, there is no choice but to lay on the left side with my chin tucked into my chest.

Once I am asleep though, I have not been woken up by pain.
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