TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA & CPAP Mask

[Velroc]

I have been using CPAP for about 60 days and it has worked wonders, I am 67 Male and I feel much better, more energy and better mood.

BUT, last week I started having face pain and head aches on my right side, then electric bolts to my right lower jaw?? My self dx is TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA. I all ready take neurontin for neck pain, so not sure what they can do. I see my GP next week.

Could the TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA be caused by my full face mask that also holds my mouth closed ? I have never had TN before and the pain really sucks, pardon my french.

So I have swiched back to my old nose only mask

Bob and thanks for listening..

[kteague]

Trigeminal Neuralgia is one diagnosis that could fit your description. Also consider TMJ as another possible source of one sided facial pain. Could you reposition the straps or pad the straps on that side to see if your symptoms improve, just in case one is pressing on a nerve or a muscle causing pain.

[-SWS]

Could the TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA be caused by my full face mask that also holds my mouth closed ? I have never had TN before and the pain really sucks, pardon my french.

Yes, a full-face mask can trigger or worsen trigeminal neuralgia pain. That's only my opinion, but my neurologist agreed when I gave him that first-hand observation a while back.

The following Google search also shows that full-face flight masks can trigger trigeminal neuralgia pain:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&clie ... f&oq=&aqi=

I agree with Kathy's comments about TMJ being a possibility---since TMJ is actually much more common than trigeminal neuralgia. However, in the case of TMJ, the pain should radiate outward from the temporomandibular joint. In the case of trigeminal neuralgia, the pain can originate and travel anywhere along those three trigeminal branches, as well as the back of the neck/skull before the nerve branches into three sections.

Try loosening up on the straps and good luck!

[jules]

TN needs to be diagnosed by a neurologist not a PCP as there are other things that can cause this pain. Even the first or second neurologist might not be able to diagnose it. If you go through a screening like I did 2 months ago there will be a brain MRI (MRA is better I hear) and a lots of lab work to eliminate other possibilities. The labs that were ordered were over $ 1100 at our hospital.

I find my pain is worse with the Liberty over the Quattro. I would be using a non-FFM if I wasn't guilty of lots of mouth breathing recently. A RG style chin strap (girls panty hose with the panty over the head and the legs tied under the chin) makes my pain worse with a non-FFM and the Respironics Chin Strap has me in a full fledged TN attack, so I am using the Quattro without additional pain.

If you read and think TMJ is a possibility you should contact your dentist's office and see what kind of services they can connect you with as you want to see someone who can treat TMJ and who also knows how to treat you for TMJ since you have sleep apnea.

No, TN pain isn't fun but then mine isn't a typical case either.

[Mary MAC]

Hello
I am new to CPAP and just getting use to it. I hope to have the success and benefits we hear and read about.
I have suffered TN for around 8 years now, a very unrelentless disorder and painful beyond explanation.
Getting diagnosed is one huge hurdle. At least you have heard of it and aware of it. I was lost and at ends prior to finding out what it was and 6 months later getting Nueroniton for some relief ( I am now on Topomax).
I can't not even imagine wearing a full face mask with TN, it seems like that would really set it off.
I got the most comfortable nose mask and have the straps as loose as possible.
The best of luck and relief to you.
TN is something a lot of people don't understand, and have no idea the pains it causes.
The best of luck to you.
Mary Ann

[Julie]

Please don't self diagnose TN as Jules said... it doesn't necessarily affect the jaw, more likely the mid cheek area, and is triggered by nerves at the back of the skull. You should look into what is going on, whether TMJ or otherwise (some cardiac events produce jaw pain) and not assume anything.

[jules]

My understanding TN can show up as pain anywhere along the pathway of the Trigeminal nerve. This is a big nerve with 3 branches that is above the eye, below the eye (upper jaw) and below the jaw too. Many with TN have a blood vessel sitting on the nerve causing the pain and a MRA can show this. SWS- is a better expert than I on this.

My pain is in the upper two branches and includes "smell" problems (Trigeminal nerve is one that detects noxious odors), pain around the left eye orbit, left ear pain, left nose pain, etc.

If this pain started after starting to use a FFM I would be very suspicious of TMJ or some muscle problem caused by the mask / straps.

[nelsoe]

I recently had a full-on attack of TN. I've been using a CPAP for 6 months. The severe attacks CEASED two days after I discontinued use of the device - the straps of which not coincidentally just happen to intersect with the trigeminal areas. Given a choice between mild to moderate sleep apnea and TN, I choose the apnea.

[lacy1893]

I have had trigeminal neuralgia for many, many, many years...most of the time it is in "remission" and doesn't hurt. However, when I went to the sleep lab, was diagnosed with primary sleep apnea, & given a CPAP to try out, the CPAP machine (the air blowing on my face, in my nose, etc.) made me have an attack. I really tried; but, I could not keep the thing on for more than 15 minutes. Is there a mask that anyone would recommend? I think that if I could have the air only on one side, one nostril then it might work...is there a such thing? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

[Janknitz]

I would think the Swift FX would be a good mask because there is NO pressure on the nerve but if you are a mouth breather you'd have to deal with that--tape, perhaps.

[lacy1893]

Thanks for the reply Janknitz...it's not the pressure on the nerve that bothers me...that never triggers a response...it is the air flow hitting that side of my face. I absolutely cannot tolerate ANY breeze to pass through my left nostril or hit the outside of the left side of my mouth and face. I don't know about the inside...that is the only thing that I can think of. It would be best if there were a way to cut off the air to the left side altogether and still allow the CPAP to do its job.

[Janknitz]

You could try blocking the left nasal pillow.

[Breathe Jimbo]

Maybe an oral interface would work.

[lacy1893]

What is an oral interface and where do I get one?

Thanks to everyone for trying to help me troubleshoot this problem. I appreciate it!

[Breathe Jimbo]

What is an oral interface and where do I get one?

Here is one:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -mask.html

Not sure about any others.