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Looking for others that also have TN

I have bilateral Trigeminal Neuralgia. Over the past few months I have been getting migraine symptoms as well. It seems the two overlap somewhat? Anyone else on here have both?

  1. I have both. It's really awful. It's also very unusual to have bilateral tn without also having ms. At least from what I've read. I am 32, and have had tn since I was about 26. How bout you?

    1. While it is rare to have bilateral TN there are lots of us out there. In my experience, it isn't as tightly linked to MS as a lot of Drs continue to believe. Only 5% of people with TN also have MS. I have had two MRI/MRAs clear so far. It is always in the back of my mind.
      I'm sorry that you also suffer from both. I have been dealing with TN for two years. A few months ago I started experiencing symptoms in the top branch. I have had three very distinct flare ups or episodes that have many symptoms of migraines. I am seeing my neurologist next week to discuss this and am very curious about what he will have to say.

  2. Justjane37,
    There seems to be a strong connection between Trigeminal Neuralgia and Migraines. TN and Migraines are both activated through the Trigeminal nerve system, so it makes sense that they would be connected. Migraines can also stem from the Occipital Nerve (located in the back of the head) while the Trigeminal Nerves are located in the facial region, which is probably where you experience the pain. Here are a couple of articles for you about TN and Migraines:

    https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-and-trigeminal-neuralgia/

    https://migraine.com/blog/trigeminal-neuralgia/

    Best Wishes!
    -Katie
    Migraine.com Moderator

    1. Hi Katie,
      Thank you for the links. I am learning about the connection and am finding others that suffer from both.
      Jane

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