Trigeminal Neuralgia Medications

Beemer

New Member
After being vetted by my dentist and an oral surgeon, I was referred to a neurologist for diagnosis. An MRI was ordered and I am waiting for the results. On my initial visit, the neurologist mentioned drug treatment as a possible option. My internet investigation mentions anticonvulsants; carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin and gabapentin. Additionally, antispasmodic agents such as baclofen may be prescribed alone or in combination. Judging by the listed side affects and the absence of the drugs (except for gabapentin) on the FAA site, I'm inclined to think the drug treatment for trigeminal neuralgia may ground me. What is an FAA approved treatment for TN? Would one of the surgical options get me back into the cockpit quicker? Is the drug treatment a treatment which would ground me temporarily or is it a continuous treatment which would accelerate my retirement. I am 61. Thank you for your help.

Just spoke with the neurologist who proposes initial treatment with dilantin. MRI shows an artery adjacent to the trigeminal nerve. We also discussed a surgical treatment which would place a pad between the nerve and artery.
 
None of these medication including gabapentin is approved. It looks like the surgical intervention may be your only option.
 
Thank you for the update. Consultation with my union's medical folks as well as my AME confirms your response. I've got a lead on a surgeon who specializes in endoscopy mvp. It will be an interesting summer.
 
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