What are some of the disorders often misdiagnosed as Classic TN?

Condition analysis:
Sometimes injury to the end of the trigeminal nerve is caused by some type of trauma, such as a dental procedure or a blow to the face. Post herpetic neuralgia, better known as shingles, occurs after a herpetic breakout. The pain of neuropathic pain is usually constant, but can fluctuate in intensity. The pain is usually described as burning, aching or tightness. Many times numbness is present. This type of pain is difficult to treat and the procedures for classic TN can make this type of pain worse.

Instructions:
Lifestyle Modifications
Patients should alter the manner of living such that it makes managing pain easier. Identify what activated pain the most, and avoid situations and actions which bring on pain. Try to keep yourself engaged in some activity. Focusing your brain on a certain activity might make the pain easier to bear. As this pain hits the facial nerves, it's vital that you maintain excellent oral hygiene. You do not want neuralgia combined with any sort of dental pain; it can make life hell. Do not eat very hard food, eat soft foods that are very easy to chew.

Build a strong rapport with your doctor/neurosurgeon. Do not hold back any information from him/her. Your doctor is the best person to help you in a medical crisis. If you are taking any prescription medication, continue to do so without fail and do not skip a dose or take an overdose. At all times, keep your doctor's numbers handy. You can also find out from your health care provider about support groups for trigeminal neuralgia in your area. Joining a support group will help you in many ways. You can relate to people who undergo the same suffering as you, in a much better way. You may even come across some very useful medical information from them. If not a support group, establish strong connections with friends and family members, so you have help and can depend on them in times of need.