Expert: Imran R. - 5/4/2007

Question
By default, I have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and was taking neurontin.  I suppose it may have stopped some episodes from escalating, but, I still had pain.  I retired in May of '06 from teaching and stopped the neurontin which ironically I have had no sinus problem now for a year.  Recently I had a terrible 9 days of severe pain in the side of my face (left side) and decided to go back on the neurontin.  3 weeks later I am still unable to eat, talk, sometimes swallowing is even still painful, but, I also acquired a terrible sinus congestion (maybe time of year) but seems ironic .......also the emotional instability is really getting to me. Therefore, I vowed to not ever go back on the neurontin.  I have tried many things under the sun...dentist, neurologist, massage therapist(has helped the most)....chronic pain seminars, breathing , relaxation techniques........Maybe this is not "TN" afterall and more of a muscle/nerve  thing from bruxism.  I do have my splint I wear each night. ...after all this I guess I could've not even mentioned all of it and just asked ...Is there any disadvantage to getting a Vit. B-12 shot? and could it possibly help a nerve/muscle problem?"  

Answer
Dear Becky,

Thank you for your question.

Vitamin B12 shots have been used in this case, but do remember they often contain preservatives, which some people react to very strongly. I would caution you therefore.

I would advise you look to your diet to see if you can trace what is causing the neuralgia. One ingredient we know of to cause these very symptoms is splenda or sucralose---an artificial sweetener. You need to make sure you are not taking any such sweeteners:
splenda, sucralose, aspartame, nutra-sweet, equal, acesulfame potassium.

Once you have cut out all artificial sweeteners, you may then look into a natural product that contains nerve
regenerating properties. The only one i know of to help with this is found below:
http://www.tryfrutavida.com/main

Emotional pain can be released quite easily, in fact, by getting rid of and releasing the emotions that are
associated with a particular imbalance, erases the imbalance. Please look into the abundance course:
http://www.releasetechnique.net.tf

Furthermore cut out all soy products, except fermented soy. Miso, tempeh and natural soy sauce are healthy. [fermented]

Soy contains goitrogens which depress thyroid functions. It also contains phytic acid which hinders the body's ability to absorb proteins, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. In general, it is an enzyme inhibitor.

Do not drink pasteurized milk as it is quite harmful. Take only certified organic or raw milk.

Refrain from using microwaves. They lower haemoglobin levels, deteriorate immune functions and produce high numbers of radiolytic compounds in foods. (do some research on google for more info)

Cut out all margarine and hydrogenated fats. Cut out canola, rapeseed and soybean oils. These are unhealthy. Replace with butter, ghee, unrefined coconut oil, sesame oil, and virgin olive oil.  

Educate yourself on vaccines: www.mercola.com

Best wishes,

Imran