Has anyone heard about any advances in the treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia?

I was diagnosed by a neurologist at the age of 18. I was somewhat relieved when I was given the diagnosis, as I was concerned that I would continue to suffer from a disorders couldn't even diagnose. Nevertheless, when I began to research the symptoms, treatment options, as well as how it was going to affect my future, I became very upset.
I've already been on Tegretol, Dilantil, as well as other meds.,
which offered no support or relief. About 7 yrs ago, I underwent "Microvascular Decompression" on the fifth cranial nerve behind my left ear....and I was left with over 50 stitches.
The final outcome was a disappointing one, as I did not benefit from that operative procedure at all, and was, and continue to be in an extreme amount of pain. I've been put on an oral form of Morphine, while being fully aware that taken such meds can have terrible side-effects if taken long-tern, and am always reminded that this is certainly not the answer I am looking for. (will travel)!

A very good friend of mine has this and has found some relief with the same med I am on for my Fibromyalgia - Lyrica. It's the first FDA approved med for Fibro, but I think his doc was just fishing around for an answer. The answer seemed to really help. He's on the same regimin that I am... 75 mg, twice a day. Hope that halps a bit, I know that is an incredibly awful condition when a flare hits. At least this is a non-invasive help.

Good luck.

~~D

P.S. Hey, feel free to contact me and I will fwd questions to him. You can send me email on my profile on MySpace at www.myspace.com/declijas