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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Cataract Surgery Adversely Affect The Trigeminal Neuralgia?

I have had trigeminal neuralgia for approximately 15 years. On Dec. 20th & Jan. 3rd I had cataract surgery. First the left eye, then the right eye. In the last few weeks I have had a return of my trigeminal neuralgia. It had been under control with 800mg of carbatrol. It is particularly severe on the right lower side of my face. I increased my dosage of carbatrol to 1200mg 2 days ago with no result as yet. I have been prescribed Percocet which I will start tomorrow morning. My question is did the surgery adversely effect the trigeminal neuralgia?
Tue, 8 Oct 2019
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Neurologist, Surgical 's  Response
Hello,

Cataract surgery may trigger trigeminal neuralgia only temporary, let's say it may do so for a week or so.

Recurrence is a common feature of trigeminal neuralgia, so, I think you should see your Neurologist since the current treatment isn't working.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Erion Spaho, Neurologist, Surgical
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Neurologist Dr. Dariush Saghafi's  Response
Hello,

It is really not possible to give you a firm answer to that question since there are literally numerous things that can trigger exacerbations of trigeminal neuralgia which has been under control and surgical manipulations of any part of the face or structures of the face are definitely recognized as possible causes.

But so is anesthesia, other medications that could have been given to you for pain management or control or inflammation.

And so, knowing for sure if surgery caused or led to loss of control is not possible to say with any certainty in my opinion.

Your best bet is to speak with your neurologist and once again begin the search for a medication to help.

Over the past 15 years there have been developments of many newer (and sometimes better) medications to control neuropathic or neuralgic types of pain so this could be a good time to try something a bit more updated than carbatrol.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist
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Can Cataract Surgery Adversely Affect The Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Hello, Cataract surgery may trigger trigeminal neuralgia only temporary, let s say it may do so for a week or so. Recurrence is a common feature of trigeminal neuralgia, so, I think you should see your Neurologist since the current treatment isn t working. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Erion Spaho, Neurologist, Surgical