VITAMIN B12
Alternative Treatments for Facial Neuralgias

Disclaimer.

 Sold under a wide variety of trade names.

There is lot of information about vitamin B12 in the Web. None of it is directly linked to TN. However, there is a possibility that vitamin B12 may contribute to the growth and well-being of the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells. (Please see my informal speculation in the semi-formal section below). It must be warned that all this information is speculative and should not be considered scientifically proven.

I have found nothing specifically related to TN and vitamin B12. The following sites have just some basic information on the vitamin:

Vitamin B12: Facts for vegetarians.

The Consumer Guide to Vitamin B12.

Semi-formal information

This is only my non-professional understanding of the situation, and should not be considered medically sound. It is claimed in several sources that vitamin B12 has a connection to with myelin, which is the coating that protects nerve cells. Particularly with MS patients, the reason for the TN is often precisely the fact that the myelin sheath has been damaged and some kind of nerve cross-talk occurs, leading to seizures of the nerve.

It seems clear that lack of vitamin B12 can cause myelin damage and hence possibly TN. It is an entirely different question whether vitamin B12 can be used as a treatment for TN. Once the myelin sheath is damaged, no one seems to be sure if it can ever be regenerated.

Two schools of thought seems to exist. One says that a regular intake of the vitamin is necessary to keep the nerves healthy. The other claims that the vitamin should be taken in large doses, possibly by injection.

It is unclear whether eating regular supplements of the vitamin can undo any damage done. As for the value of vitamin B12 injections, there is too little evidence to say this or that. Anecdotal evidence certainly exists. The question remains open.

The following sites have general info on the vitamin that MAY have a direct bearing on TN.

  VS UK: Vitamin B12. Mentions nerve damage from lack of vitamin B12.

  Smart Basics Vitamin glossary. Mentions connection with myelin.

The following site takes the viewpoint that large doses are needed.

  Anemia, Depression & Neuro-Cognitive Disorders. Discusses vitamin B12 injections.

Informal information

Positive experiences

"[I used an] alternate treatment using 6 injections of vitamin B12 (one a day for 6 days). And after almost a month of useless treatments, within the 6 days the pain and spasms were gone. I have not had an episode in almost 15 years now." Source: Anonymous.

 

"However, my current neuro--has me on vitamin B12, and said it would strengthen the nerve fibers." Source: Anonymous.

 

"I decided to concentrate on improving the health of myelin sheaths which to me meant taking choline, lecithin,..., B vitamins, and calcium in large quantities along with taking the rest of the required vitamins and minerals to keep everything in balance." Source: "Rizha".

 

Mixed experiences

"Been eating supplements for years. Hasn't done any harm, hasn't done any good". Source: "Winston".

 

"One of the things we did try in the first year was heavy doses of B vitamins. They didn't help the pain, but maybe they helped him heal faster." Source: Anonymous.

---

Acknowledgements. Carol C. Byrd   contributed the majority of the links for this page. Many thanks to her