Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a devastating problem that often ends in suicide. The best treatment at this time is the drug Felbamate which can cause Kidney failure in as little as two weeks in most patients. This is a poor choice between constant pain, large amounts of addictive drugs or probable Kidney failure using the newest solution. I know this from personal experience. Thousands of people become victims of this disease every year from something as simple as a blow to the head.What can we look forward to in the way of a cure? The offered surgeries are at best a few months of relief or a complete failure.

Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.)

yes

If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:

The offered remedies are Oxycoden, Lyrica, Felbamate, a list of much older drugs that seldom cure or even help the problem, and the horror of having a hole drilled into the skull, pushing the brain aside and placing slices of fat between each of the offending nerves. This is a seldom successful remedy.The Gama Knife is another treatment available in some states.

What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.)

Every man or woman, in all age groups, and all ethnic groups can be victims of this disease.

Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)

This disease can occur to any person who has a blow to the head.

Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.)

The health related benefits to a cure or even a semi cure would be the hope of a normal life free from constant pain of electric like shocks to the face and constant boiling hot jars of pain to the head on a constant basis.Taking the suggested drugs leaves the person in a stumbling, drugged condition unable to perform the simple tasks of having a job, driving, or thinking in a reasonable fashion.

Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.

The risks of the suggested treatments can cause loss of memory, falls, addictions, kidney and liver failure, and in many cases Suicide. The inability to work for a living is certainly a serious problem.

Appropriateness for EHC Program

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

no

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

• Cardiovascular disease, including stroke and hypertension
• Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease
• Depression and other mental health disorders
• Developmental delays, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism
• Functional limitations and disability
• Substance abuse

AHRQ Priority Populations

• Low income groups
• Minority groups
• Women
• Children
• Elderly
• Individuals with special health care needs, including individuals with disabilities or who need chronic care or end-of-life health care

Federal Health Care Program

None

Importance

Describe why this topic is important.

Trigeminal Neuralgia happens to anyone with a blow to the head. This would include accident victims, sports figures, people of all ages in an abusive relationship, children falling from recreational objects, or simply raising up to hit your head on a low beam in your homes attic, etc. It can affect anyone of any age at any time and prevent that person from EVER being able to work for a living or have a normal life style or relationship with another person.

What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.)

I present a description of life long pain and disability to everyone I can in hopes of someone deciding to try to find some way of helping a person in this position.

Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.)

no

If yes, please explain:

I say no, but if you have ever tried to get the drugs needed for sever pain from an ER or clinic in a town that is not familiar with your case they assume you are a drug addict trying to get drugs and refuse your request.

Potential Impact

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?

I would pass on the information to others in this group, the doctors in my area, and most certainly use it for my own use in deciding what treatments to try.

Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.

I would accept the information at any time it is available. Remember, this is a health problem that causes suicide in many people who suffer from it.

Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

The Gamma knife is one solution to this problem. Georgia is one of the few places that have the Gama knife available for this kind of treatment. I live in Florida and we do not have one. So many people who could be helped by this method may not be able to travel to a state who has it available. I can only assume the treatment would be covered by most insurance companies.

Nominator Information

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)

I would pass on the information to others in this group, the doctors in my area, and most certainly use it for my own use in deciding what treatments to try.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?

Individual

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program

IT was listed in a statement from a health organization I get medical alerts from.I do not expect any sort of nomination. I wanted to alert the medical society of the serious affect of this problem and how little we have to choose from in medical help.