Anyone in Dundee specialise in TMJ dysfunction with trigeminal neuralgia?

I've a relative in Dundee with severe trigeminal neuralgia. She struggles to speak and eat and is down to 7st (5ft 8in). She reacted very badly to anti-epilepsy medication and her GP has run out of painkillers to try. He is going to refer to the pain clinic (6 month wait). She is on her own with a disabled son (in his 30's). She's trying acupuncture with a Chinese practitioner (no success).

I'm sure there is a TMJ problem. She's had a lot of dental work as she was sure the pain was from her teeth. I've had the same problem myself which responded to Physio, acupuncture, medication and a mouth guard from the maxillo-facial dept.

I am a physio, but I live 200 miles away and don't have any contacts up there. Her inability to eat is a major health issue now. Not all physios have experience of maxillo-facial problems - can anyone help?

Sheila Johnston

Hi , im sorry to hear the problems your relative is having , i am no doctor but have been suffering with a facial neuralgia called Glossopharyngeal much like TMJ.
its one of the most painfull things iv ever had , i have just been diagnosed with a prolapse disc also the pain between the two i cant describe , is the lady taking Topiramate as i know this can cause heavy weight loss ,

i have finally after 2 years being sent to see a Consultant Neurosurgeon Called Mr Wadley he is suppose to be one of the best in this area he works from Barts and The London Hospital Whitechapel London 0207 377 -7000 switchboard- fax 0207 377-7008 pass this on to her GP .
i have been sent here from another Neuroligist .

Maybe she could ask her Gp to refer her , i dont know where your from but its worth a try .
i went to the pain clinic when all the galpitin ect drugs that just make you feel rubbish didnt work they just tried more , then a Tens machine sorry to say just waiting for that appt was a waste of time , tell her to insist on being reffered.
Hope this can help in anyway atall .

P.S i must say though i have been on diclafenic morphine annd dyasipan for my back though drastic have had no ear pain either , but also haven't realy felt anything .

Additional Comment I forgot:

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Originally Posted by Sheilafj

I've a relative in Dundee with severe trigeminal neuralgia. She struggles to speak and eat and is down to 7st (5ft 8in). She reacted very badly to anti-epilepsy medication and her GP has run out of painkillers to try. He is going to refer to the pain clinic (6 month wait). She is on her own with a disabled son (in his 30's). She's trying acupuncture with a Chinese practitioner (no success).

I'm sure there is a TMJ problem. She's had a lot of dental work as she was sure the pain was from her teeth. I've had the same problem myself which responded to Physio, acupuncture, medication and a mouth guard from the maxillo-facial dept.

I am a physio, but I live 200 miles away and don't have any contacts up there. Her inability to eat is a major health issue now. Not all physios have experience of maxillo-facial problems - can anyone help?

Sheila Johnston

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by loopygirl

Hi , im sorry to hear the problems your relative is having , i am no doctor but have been suffering with a facial neuralgia called Glossopharyngeal much like TMJ.
its one of the most painfull things iv ever had , i have just been diagnosed with a prolapse disc also the pain between the two i cant describe , is the lady taking Topiramate as i know this can cause heavy weight loss ,

i have finally after 2 years being sent to see a Consultant Neurosurgeon Called Mr Wadley he is suppose to be one of the best in this area he works from Barts and The London Hospital Whitechapel London 0207 377 -7000 switchboard- fax 0207 377-7008 pass this on to her GP .
i have been sent here from another Neuroligist .

Maybe she could ask her Gp to refer her , i dont know where your from but its worth a try .
i went to the pain clinic when all the galpitin ect drugs that just make you feel rubbish didnt work they just tried more , then a Tens machine sorry to say just waiting for that appt was a waste of time , tell her to insist on being reffered.
Hope this can help in anyway atall .

P.S i must say though i have been on diclafenic morphine annd dyasipan for my back though drastic have had no ear pain either , but also haven't realy felt anything .

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[email protected] email this lady i just found her details on here she specialises in this condition :)

Hi Sheila, Not sure if you have found help for your relative yet. I live in Tayport, just 5 miles from Dundee and have had good results working with maxillo - facial problems. I have my own clinic and specialise in the treatment of chronic pain and postural problems via the connective tissue system - where appropriate this work includes work on the face and sometimes inside the mouth. I may be able to help. Best wishes
Jane Torvaney

hi if you dont mind i can offer you some good advise

tmj, fascial or trigeminal nerve neuralgia, eagles syndrome and similar conditions all have their similarities and some differences but the main crux is that they all may be caused from myofascial tightness. the cause of the myofascial tightness may be and commonly cause by an arthrogenic components such as the cervical segments of the spine C0 to 4 and C5 to T10 for deep cervical fascial restrictions and the TMJ itself. these need to be cleared first and foremost before anything else. then the myofascial meridians usually the ones that connect the arm to the neck need to be assessed and cleared see tom myer myofascial meridians and fascial manipulation by italian physiotherapists luigo and carla stecco for further information. once these have been cleared it is important to clear the cervical and brachial plexus to assess the integrity of the nervous systemand then finally assess positions/ direction of ease through treatment direction tests and then block compensatory patterns while performing control exercises of the jaw. google tmj exercises articles for further information. finish with muscle activation with movment of the deep neck flexors.

to summarise release contributing joints of the neck, hyoid bone and jaw itself then release the myofascial planes of the arm and neck ; sternocleidomastoid muscle is the bridge usually affected in TMJ conditions. release the cervical and brachial plexus with neural mobilisation and retrain the deep neck flexors and jaw muscles to function normally.

all these things should be assessed by a competent physiotherapist that has strong skills in manual therapy and myofascial therapy