Headaches
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Migraine
2:04
2. Tension Headache
1:50
3. Cluster Headache
1:53
4. Occipital Neuralgia
2:02
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
1:35
6. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
4. Acupuncture
2:13
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Botox (Migraines/Dystonia)
2:07
3. Sphenopalatine Block
1:47
6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
3. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
4. Laser Therapy
2:05
5. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Trigeminal Neuralgia
1746871747
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes severe, sudden facial pain, often described as an electric shock. This pain typically affects one side of the face and can be triggered by simple actions like brushing your teeth, eating, or even a light touch. The pain comes from the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation. In many cases, it is caused by a blood vessel pressing on the nerve, leading to irritation and intense pain episodes.
This condition is most common in people over 50 and occurs more frequently in women. High blood pressure may increase the risk, and in some cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) or tumors may play a role.
Treatment options focus on reducing pain episodes and improving quality of life, including: ✔️ Medications, such as anticonvulsants, which help calm nerve activity and reduce pain episodes. ✔️ Surgery, such as microvascular decompression (MVD), which relieves pressure on the nerve by moving the blood vessel causing irritation. ✔️ Other procedures, including nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation, which use heat to target the peripheral nerves associated with the trigeminal ganglia, disrupting pain signals.
While these treatments can provide relief, symptoms may return over time, making long-term management important.
If you're experiencing persistent, severe facial pain, early treatment can help manage symptoms and improve daily function. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
Are there any potential risks if trigeminal neuralgia goes untreated?
If untreated, trigeminal neuralgia can lead to chronic, constant pain which may severely impact quality of life. This condition can also become progressively worse over time. Untreated nerve pain might cause further complications, including medication side effects and surgical risks, though these vary based on the individual and chosen treatments.
How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed?
Trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed based on the characteristic symptoms of sudden, severe facial pain occurring in episodes. A healthcare provider may conduct a physical examination and review medical history. In some cases, imaging tests such as MRI are used to determine if there’s an underlying cause, such as a tumor or multiple sclerosis.
What causes trigeminal neuralgia to occur?
The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is the compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel near the brainstem, leading to nerve irritation and intense pain episodes. Other causes can include multiple sclerosis, tumors, or nerve damage. The condition is more prevalent in individuals over 50, and women are more commonly affected.
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition that causes severe, sudden facial pain described as an electric shock. This pain typically affects one side of the face and is triggered by actions such as brushing teeth, eating, or even a light touch. The pain originates from the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation.
What treatment options are available for trigeminal neuralgia?
Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia aims to reduce pain and improve quality of life. Options include medications such as anticonvulsants to calm nerve activity, surgical procedures like microvascular decompression to relieve pressure on the nerve, and other techniques like nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation to disrupt pain signals. Lifestyle modifications to reduce triggers may also be suggested.