If you have atypical facial pain, then you understand how important it is to find a trusted doctor who can provide you with the best and most advanced treatment available. Atypical facial pain treatment can be difficult to manage due to its varied and confusing symptoms. Symptoms of atypical facial pain may include:
- A constant, chronic dull ache or burning pain on one side of your face and jaw.
- Episodes of sharp electric pains shooting through your face, eye or jaw.
- Facial hypersensitivity to light touch.
- Abnormal sensations of numbness or tingling around your eye, cheek or jaw.
- Constant dull, aching sensations in your jaw or teeth.
These symptoms may mimic trigeminal neuralgia, but they are differentiated by their constancy. A persistent, dull ache is usually accompanied by the sharp shooting pains associated with trigeminal neuralgia if you have atypical facial pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, taking the time to find the best NJ neurosurgeon for atypical facial pain treatment can help you have a positive outcome in the treatment of your condition. Knowing and being able to recognize the qualities of the best surgeons can help you find the right one for you.
Causes of Atypical Facial Pain
There are many different causes of atypical facial pain. These may include:
- Trigeminal or facial nerve irritation
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Sinus inflammation
- Dental problems
The most common cause of atypical facial pain is irritation of your trigeminal or facial nerve. This cranial nerve originates from your brain stem and course through your head to innervate your face. Irritation of these nerves is most often caused by compression of the nerve by its neighboring artery. When the artery presses against your trigeminal nerve, you may experience pain in your face.
Other lesions on or near the nerves may be a cause of your atypical facial pain. These are rare, but may include complications from problems such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or a tumor. Because there are many different causes of atypical facial pain, working with a trusted and experienced neurosurgeon is an important step in finding the cause of your symptoms and getting the best treatment for you.
Atypical Facial Pain Treatment
When you are first diagnosed with atypical facial pain, your doctor may prescribe medication to help treat your condition. Medicine like antispasmodics or anticonvulsants may be used to decrease your pain or facial spasm. Your body may become accustomed to the medicine quickly, and your doctor may need to increase the dosage regularly. For this reason, surgery is considered the definitive atypical facial pain treatment, and finding the best NJ neurosurgeon is paramount to you finding relief.
Surgery for atypical facial pain includes:
- Microvascular decompression surgery. This surgery involves your neurosurgeon making a small incision behind your ear and then removing a quarter-sized portion of your skull. Your trigeminal nerve is then visualized, and a small Teflon pad is placed between your nerve and the artery rubbing against it.
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. During Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, your doctor uses multiple beams of radiation focused on your trigeminal nerve. The radiation damages the nerve slightly, leading to decreased transmissions through the nerve and decreased pain.
- Percutaneous rhizotomy. Your doctor will use a needle carefully inserted near your trigeminal nerve during percutaneous rhizotomy. A small electrode will then be used to cauterize your nerve. This decreases stimuli through the nerve, leading to decreased facial pain.
- Pain stimulator implant. During pain stimulator implant, a small electrode is threaded to an area near your trigeminal nerve. Then, electrical stimulation is used to decrease pain.
All of these surgical procedures require the skills of a specially trained neurosurgeon. Finding the best NJ neurosurgeon for your atypical facial pain treatment requires that you know the qualities of the top-rated surgeons.
Qualities of the Best NJ Surgeons for Atypical Facial Pain Treatment
Finding a top-rated surgeon means that you know the qualities of the best doctors for atypical facial pain treatment. These qualities include:
- Board certification by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Your doctor should be board certified and should be known as a leader in his or her profession.
- Regular publication of scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals. Doctors who publish scholarly articles and studies are considered to be at the forefront of technological advances in their field and have access to up-to-date information.
- Use of innovative technology. Your neurosurgeon should use the most modern diagnostic and surgical techniques available for your atypical facial pain treatment.
- Specialized in treating neurological facial conditions. Some neurosurgeons specialize only in treating spinal conditions like sciatica but may still treat conditions in areas in which they have less expertise. Your doctor should be a recognized expert in treating facial conditions.
What to Ask When Seeking a Neurosurgeon
When evaluating a potential surgeon, it helps to know what sorts of questions to ask so you can be sure you’re making the right choice. Some of the questions that should be on your list include:
- How long has the surgeon been performing your chosen procedure?
- What is his or her success rate with this given procedure? Can they provide you with references from former patients?
- Do they have specialized training in the procedure you’re considering?
- What is his or her policy on follow-ups? Will they continue to see you after they’ve performed your treatment, or will they refer you elsewhere?
- Is there a more advanced technique or procedure they would recommend? If so, what is their experience with it?
Seeking Second Opinions
There is no shame in seeking a second opinion for atypical facial pain. After all, you are making decisions for your long-term health and well-being. This isn’t something to be approached lightly, so if you don’t feel a strong connection with the surgeon you’re interviewing, go with your gut. Seek out a second, third or even fourth opinion until you’ve found a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable.
Obviously, skill level should count for the greatest portion of your assessment, but if you aren’t meshing with a surgeon interpersonally, keep looking. The importance of feeling confident that your surgeon will do everything possible to put you at ease cannot be understated.
Respect Is Key
Most importantly, your doctor should treat you with respect and kindness. He or she should explain to you the various atypical facial pain treatments available and should offer you alternatives to treatment. You should never feel rushed into surgery. The best NJ neurosurgeons also listen to their patients and take the time to answer any questions and concerns you may have.
You should feel like you and your doctor are working together to achieve the best outcome with your atypical facial pain treatment. Finding the best doctor for your atypical facial pain can help you feel positive about your treatment decisions.
Dealing with atypical facial pain can be difficult, as your symptoms can prevent you from enjoying your normal work and recreational activities. Working with a top-rated NJ neurosurgeon who specializes in atypical facial pain treatment can help you look forward to the best possible outcome for your condition.
