Trigeminal Neuralgia may feel like an electric shock!
Don’t ignore those facial twinges! Early signs of Trigeminal Neuralgia may seem small, but they can indicate the onset of severe facial pain.
Symptoms and Causes
Severe facial pain triggered by mundane activities such as talking, eating, or even touching the face is the most common symptom of Trigeminal Neuralgia. These attacks can last for a few seconds to several minutes and can occur multiple times a day. In some cases, severe pain can interfere with daily activities and can lead to depression and anxiety. Other symptoms may include a loss of muscle control in the affected area, numbness, and a tingling sensation.
Various factors can cause trigeminal neuralgia – a blood vessel pressing against the nerve, multiple sclerosis, facial injury or trauma, a tumour, and trigeminal nerve damage. However, in some cases, the cause may simply be unknown. Trigeminal neuralgia is more common in individuals over the age of 50 and is more frequently seen in women. Proper diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia can help to alleviate the severe facial pain associated with this disorder.
Available treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Several treatment options are available for trigeminal neuralgia, including medications, nerve blocks, and surgery.
The most common medications used to treat trigeminal neuralgia are anticonvulsants, which help to control the severity and frequency of facial pain attacks.
Nerve blocks work by temporarily interrupting the transmission of pain signals from the trigeminal nerve, which is the main nerve responsible for facial sensation. There are several types of nerve blocks including injection blocks, which involve injecting a local anaesthetic or other medications directly into the nerve, and radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to damage the nerve and block pain signals. Nerve blocks can provide short-term relief from Trigeminal Neuralgia pain, but they are usually not a long-term solution and may need to be repeated periodically.
Surgery may be a viable option for those who do not respond well to these treatments or those who experience significant side effects. Several surgical procedures can effectively treat Trigeminal Neuralgia, including microvascular decompression, radiofrequency rhizotomy, and percutaneous balloon compression. Microvascular decompression involves removing any blood vessels that may be pressing on the trigeminal nerve, while radiofrequency rhizotomy involves destroying a small portion of the nerve to reduce pain signals. Percutaneous balloon compression involves inserting a balloon into the nerve to provide relief. While all these surgeries carry some risks, they can be highly effective in providing long-term relief for those suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia. It is essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks of surgery with a healthcare professional before deciding if it is the right treatment option for you.
Trigeminal neuralgia can be very painful, but with proper treatment, most people can manage their symptoms and enjoy a good quality of life. If you are experiencing frequent and severe facial pain, you must see a doctor to determine the cause and explore treatment options.