If you have trigeminal neuralgia, then you should know the various treatments available for your condition. Finding the best treatment for you is the single most important thing you can do to manage your symptoms.
Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include:
- Sharp, shooting pain on one side of your face
- Pain in your jaw or cheek
- Ear and temple pain
The pain you feel typically comes on suddenly and is an electric-like shock. It may last for only a few moments, or it may linger on for quite some time. One thing is for sure – when the facial pain strikes it can limit your ability to focus on your normal work and recreational activities.
The cause of trigeminal neuralgia is irritation of your 5th cranial nerve, called the trigeminal nerve. This nerve may become irritated by a problem such as multiple sclerosis, stroke or brain tumor. These conditions are rare, however. More often, your pain is caused by compression of your trigeminal nerve by a normal artery or vein residing near your nerve. When an artery presses against your nerve, your may feel a sharp, shooting pain which is the hallmark of the condition.
Treatments for Trigeminal neuralgia
There are many different treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. These treatments are designed to control your symptoms and range from medical management to open brain surgery. Finding the best treatment for you is the most important thing you can do to effectively manage your facial pain.
Medication for Trigeminal neuralgia
When you are first diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, your doctor may prescribe medicine for you to take. Anti-spasmodic or anticonvulsant medicine is typically prescribed for facial pain. These medicines help to calm the stimuli and pain transmissions through your trigeminal nerve, easing your symptoms.
Medication may cause some unwanted side effects including dizziness, nausea or fatigue. Be sure you understand the side effects of your medicine and work with your doctor to be sure you are taking your medication properly.
One problem with medication is that over time, your body grows accustomed to the drugs and builds up a tolerance. Your doctor may have to adjust your medicine dosage frequently. After a period of time, the medicine for trigeminal nerve pain may not be effective at all, and other treatments should be considered.
Surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Surgery for trigeminal neuralgia involves performing procedures to either take pressure off of your trigeminal nerve or to slightly damage the nerve and halt painful transmissions through it. Surgery is done by a neurosurgeon who treats facial pain and conditions. Patients who undergo successful surgery for facial pain can potentially enjoy a complete recovery with minimal side effects.
Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Microvascular decompression involves your neurosurgeon making a small incision behind your ear and removing a quarter-sized portion of your skull. Then, your trigeminal nerve is visualized with a special microscope and a small Teflon pad is placed between the nerve and its neighboring artery. This takes pressure off of your nerve, allowing it to heal and decreasing painful transmissions.
The surgery takes place in the hospital, and you will be required to spend a few days there as you recover. Most patients enjoy a rapid relief from their symptoms after microvascular decompression and their symptom reduction is typically long lasting.
After microvascular decompression surgery, you can slowly get back to your normal activities over the course of a few weeks. It is important that you follow up regularly with your neurosurgeon to be sure your progress is carefully monitored.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Another surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. During Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, several beams of precisely focused radiation are directed to the “root” of the trigeminal nerve. This radiation slightly damages the nerve, leading to decreased abnormal nerve transmissions and a reduction or elimination of your facial pain.
Patients go home the same day as the procedure after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, and symptom reduction occurs slowly over the course of a few weeks. Patients are usually back to their normal activities within a week of the procedure.
Percutaneous Rhizotomy
Another surgical procedure for facial pain is called percutaneous rhizotomy. During this surgery, a small needle is inserted through your cheek and a tiny electrode is used to cauterize the area around your trigeminal nerve. This slightly damages the nerve, leading to decreased nerve transmissions through it, thus eliminating your pain.
Symptom reduction occurs slowly over time after percutaneous rhizotomy, and patients typically are back to their normal activity within a few days of the procedure.
Pain Stimulator Placement
Some patients benefit from a pain stimulator implant to treat their trigeminal pain symptoms. During this procedure, a small electrode is placed near your trigeminal nerve and slight electrical signals stimulate the nerve, decreasing your pain. A small handheld device is used to control the amount of stimulation you feel.
Pain stimulator implants typically offer significant relief of symptoms. They must be checked regularly, and occasionally battery replacement for the electrode needs to occur which requires a minor surgical procedure.
Since there are so many different surgical procedures for trigeminal neuralgia, it is important that you work closely with a top-rated NJ neurosurgeon who has experience treating facial disorders. The best ways to find a qualified neurosurgeon may be to:
- Ask your family physician.
- Ask family members or friends about their experience with surgery for facial conditions.
- Check the internet for highly rated doctors who specialize in microvascular decompression surgery.
The best way to find a neurosurgeon for you is to meet with doctors and discuss your symptoms and the available treatments. Your doctor should take the time to listen to your questions and concerns, and he should carefully explain each of your options to you. You should feel like you are working with your doctor in a therapeutic alliance to appropriately treat your trigeminal neuralgia.
If you have trigeminal neuralgia, you understand how the symptoms can limit you ability to enjoy your normal activity. You need to take the time to learn about the different treatment options available for you so you can make an informed decision about your care. Working with a trusted NJ neurosurgeon can ensure that you have the best possible outcome with your treatment.
