Any info on treating and diagnosing the trigeminal nerve???

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eventer0508

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Does anybody have any experience with problems with the Cranial nerve V (trigeminal nerve)? If damaged what prognosis have you had or treatment available? any info would be very greatly appreciated!

I have just had thermo imaging done on a mare we knew probably had underlying problems and this has shown up as an area to investigate further as there may be damage so any info would be great. We are going down the veterinary route also.
 
See you posted in October so hope that this isn't too late for you. I have a mare who was diagnosed with problems with her trigeminal nerve and is now, with eight other horses, the subject of a study by Langport Veterinary College (Bristol Uni.) in conjuction with Frenchay University Hospital (Bristol) who are studying the same syndrome in humans. We were told that 80% of humans who suffer similar symptoms commit suicide. It is the most painful thing known to man.
Her symptoms are very slight but manifested themselves in an enormous way when the nerve obviously gave her an 'electric shock' and she launched at the Gelding (who she loved) and the girl who was breaking her to ride. She had an MRI at Langport (the only way to see exactly what may be going on), and they spent a day doing various tests which included injecting the trigeminal nerve behind the eye and lunging to see if the symptoms were eased at all. They were so the diagnosis was sound. There is the real problem (I was told by the Consultant) that in the majority of cases (which manifests itself in headshaking) there is no identifiable sign - even when MRI is used. We were also told that a lot of horses with this problem are passed around in spring when the symptoms subdue and in lot of cases these horses are subjected to abuse and identified as 'naughty' or badly trained. This is not the case and you must watch your horse carefully to see what the triggers are. A nose net helps with the pain and symptoms. I have powdered pain killers which I give when my mare visibly looks as though she has a 'headache' or is head bobbing and have also used devils claw effectively.
I make up my own feeds using soaked beet; scoop of vitamin and mineral supplements; scoop of seaweed and rosehips; 100ml scoop of 'equilibrium' from Hilton Herbs; 200mls of Flax oil from Flax Farm; a handful of Top Spec Alfalfa with mint and occasionally a handful of Dodson and Horrell high fibre nuts. All this can be given twice a day and does for lamanitics as well. Fraid to say, that there is no cure. The research shows that implanting Nickel coils onto the nerve helps a few horses and others have to be euthanised if the disease progresses to the point where the pain is too great. I urge you to get in touch with Langport Hospital and ask if your horse can go on the programme (which is subsidised). It is an opportunity to help other horses and humans. My horse insurers have absolutely brilliant (pet plan) and this has cost me no more than the initial fee.
I am in the position whereby I have no rideable horse. I cannot in all conscience sell her on - there is the danger that she could be badly treated if the full history of her symptoms are not given. I have asked every horse charity in the country if they could take her on and every one of them has refused.
I, like you, have this beautiful creature who, for the majority of the time is calm, intelligent and inquisitive and the only option left to me now is to euthanase her because I cannot afford to keep her and nobody wants her. So I am struggling on and trying to do the best for her. Bottom line is that there is no treatment available other than the nickle implant.
I hope this helps!
 
I take it you have a headshaker if so does he do it all the time or just at certain times of the year or does it manifest itself when excited or exercised. It is quite a horrible disease try some magnesium oxide in his diet you can get it on eaby fro a few quid.
 
It might be worth contacting Leahurst (the University of Liverpool) also they are doing some work into conditions of this nerve linked to head shaking (similar to trigeminal neuralgia in people) and some interesting surgery to treat these problems
 
I think that a couple of Universities - which include Liverpool and Bristol (where my Mare is on the Research Project) are investigating this very difficult to diagnose condition. I really think if anyone is reading this who has a horse which shows signs of a 'tic' - usually when exercising in the early stages (my mare seems to be worse when under pressure), get in touch with these specialists and ask real questions about what you can do. It is only by admitting that there is a real problem with these creatures; by getting them properly diagnosed and managing them in a humane fashion, other horses and humans can be helped in the future. Passing these horses on (as many of them are); treating them as disobedient and unruly is absolutely beyond the pale. I think that 'eventer' is doing absolutely the correct and right thing by her horse: finding out as much information as possible about the proceedures and diagnoses of the problem and finding a way to manage it. Well done.
 
Can I suggest that you join the yahoo group for headshakers? There are so many people there that you will get to know what everyone has tried and found useful or otherwise.
 
Probably not useful at all, but I have trigeminal nerve hypersensitivity - meaning I get epilepsy every time there is s stimuli on the nerve. It initially showed itself when I was fifteen and got my braces - I immediately started getting excruciating pain in the head and neck area. My issues are mainly with dentists (have to be under for any procedure which could cause mild pain in "normal" people) and when in stressful situations (tend to be depressed and start getting symptoms). Treatment for me has been mainly symptomatic and preventative (meaning I am sedated for any situation which might bring issues). I also take a butt load of vitamins, per doctors orders.

I have been fine since diagnosed.
 
Hi SCMSL - for me; your info is really useful. What vitamins do you take; did the doctor say why you should take them? And what do find eases the pain? I have been giving my mare vitamins and flax oil in the hope that this might help with her immune system and nerve repair; but it's all really fighting in the dark. I have been l?ooking for a really good Equine Acupuncturist as I have been told that this can help - anyone out there recommend one
 
Its mainly antioxidants, ginseng, magnesium and vitamin B12. I don't know if its all this or just the extra care I have, but I have been feeling fine for years.
 
I have read this thread with interest.

Whilst I have never had a horse with such a problem, thank goodness, I have had livery clients who's horses have had it.

Reading these posts has given me a real insight, especially from the human sufferer. The condition sounds absolutely terrible and I feel very sad for any horse/owner who is trying to deal with it.

Good luck OP and I do hope you find some answers for your horse.
 
Oh Thankyou SCML - I'll try and up the anti on the antioxidents (perhaps leaving out the Ginseng - I think that is too much of a stimulant for poor old Jess) and see if that will help. It is really reassuring that you are feeling much better and that it can be managed in some cases - gives me some hope.
 
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