Finding most services today is as easy as a quick Google search. There are, however, a few decisions that shouldn’t be left solely to the internet. Perhaps the most important of these is finding the right surgeon — a surgeon you can truly trust — to treat your type 2 trigeminal neuralgia (TN2).
An Overview of Type 2 Trigeminal Neuralgia
Just as nothing in life is simple, trigeminal neuralgia (TN), too, can be complicated. It can manifest in different forms: type 1 trigeminal neuralgia (TN1) and type 2 trigeminal neuralgia. Neither of these should be confused with trigeminal neuropathic facial pain which results from accidental injury to the trigeminal nerve through oral surgery, facial trauma, stroke or ear/nose/throat surgery.
TN1 is frequently experienced as episodes of sharp, shooting, electric shock-like pains and sensations that can leave the sufferer exhausted and debilitated. It can happen on a daily basis or less frequently. Many people find it nearly impossible to function normally when experiencing an episode.
Type 2 trigeminal neuralgia is a more constant, but less intense pain or burning. In some cases, sufferers find the pain never subsides, with a more widespread area of the face being affected. Unfortunately, TN2 can be more difficult to pinpoint and treat.
Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
While not completely understood, the causes of trigeminal neuralgia have become less of a mystery in the last decade or so. The majority of cases of trigeminal neuralgia are caused by a blood vessel (usually an artery) pressing against the trigeminal nerve where they both run at the base of the brain. Not only does the constant “hammering” of the blood vessel against the nerve cause irritation, in some cases, it can even begin to damage the nerve itself. There is also a theory posed by some researchers that a damaged myelin sheath over the trigeminal nerve leads to increased electrical activity and stimulation, sending abnormal pain signals to the brain.
Further, diseases such as multiple sclerosis can cause deterioration of the myelin sheath, resulting in TN. Tumors can also press against the nerve. There are even many cases in which no physical cause of TN can be isolated.
Regardless of the cause of your trigeminal neuralgia, your focus should be on finding the most qualified surgeon to help you achieve relief from the debilitating symptoms that come with this disease.
Finding the Best Surgeon for Your Type 2 Trigeminal Neuralgia
Considering surgery is usually the best option in the majority of TN2 cases. It goes without saying that you will want to find a highly qualified and experienced neurosurgeon. This begs the question: What makes a good neurosurgeon?
There are several factors that can determine whether you’ve found the most qualified surgeon to perform your type 2 trigeminal neuralgia surgery. They vary from subjective to objective, but the checklist below can help you determine which doctor you want to work with.
1. Accessibility. There is nothing worse than someone that isn’t willing to take the time to answer your questions, whether they’re health-related or not. Your neurosurgeon should be no exception. When you are putting your life in someone’s hands, you must feel completely comfortable doing so. The relationship between a surgeon and patient should be built on absolute trust. Is your prospective surgeon willing to take the time to answer your questions? Is your surgeon completely transparent about the procedure, potential complications and any concerns he or she might have? Is your surgeon willing to really listen to your concerns? Do you feel as though he or she is really hearing you and treating you with the respect and compassion you deserve?
2. Their staff. A doctor’s staff is a great indication of what sorts of doctors work in a practice. Is the staff helpful? Do they return your calls in a punctual manner? Are they respectful of you? Do they seem willing to listen to your concerns?
3. Qualifications. Every neurosurgeon has undergone rigorous training in the medical field. There are some points that make them stand out more than others, though. Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon if he or she is specialized in performing whatever surgery you require. Is your surgeon board certified? How many successful surgeries has he or she done? Were there any instances of complications? What is his or her overall success rate with this particular surgery? You can also inquire about fellowships, residencies or specialized training your surgeon may have received or participated in to become an expert in their field.
4. References. This is a fairly old-fashioned way of going about choosing a doctor, but it is still perhaps one of the best. Your prospective surgeon should be able to provide you with a list of other professionals, as well as patients that have direct experience with him or her. You should be able to gain some valuable insight into whether this doctor is the right one for you.
5. Ratings. While false ratings can be a blight on a doctor’s record, they tend to be easy to spot. Many different online ratings sites allow you to read about patients’ real-world experiences with different medical providers. You may be able to spot trends, such as excellent follow-up or truly compassionate care.
While there is no magic bullet for finding the very best surgeon for your type 2 trigeminal neuralgia, you can still proactively seek the right match for you. Perhaps the most important takeaway is this: If it doesn’t feel like the right match, it probably isn’t. Keep looking until you find a surgeon you trust.
