Trigeminal Neuralgia

It is a chronic pain condition which affects the trigeminal nerve that carries sensation from the face to the brain. It occurs by sudden, severe, electric shock-like facial pain, usually on one side of the face. The pain episodes can be triggered by routine activities like talking, eating, brushing teeth, or even a light touch.

Signs and Symptoms 

• Sudden, severe, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain in the face
• Pain typically affects one side of the face (rarely both)
• Triggering factors: Touching the face, chewing, speaking, brushing teeth, cold wind exposure
• Pain episodes lasting from few seconds to few minutes

Causes 

• Nerve Compression: A blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve, causing irritation.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Damage to the covering of nerves (myelin sheath).
• Facial Trauma or Surgery: Injury to the trigeminal nerve.
• Tumors: Rarely, a tumor pressing on the nerve may cause symptoms.
• Aging: More common in people over 50 years old, but can occur at any age.

Treatment Options

1. Medications

• Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are first-line treatments to reduce nerve pain.
• Muscle Relaxants: Baclofen may be used if anticonvulsants alone are not effective.
• Pain Relievers: Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline) may help with chronic pain.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Nerve Blocks: Injections of local anesthetics or steroids near the trigeminal nerve for pain relief.
• Glycerol Rhizotomy: Injection of glycerol to damage the nerve fibers and reduce pain.
• Balloon Compression: A small balloon is inserted to compress the trigeminal nerve and disrupt pain signals.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: Heat is used to selectively damage pain-transmitting nerve fibers.
• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: A small device implanted near the trigeminal nerve to block pain signals.
• Cold and Warm Compresses: May provide temporary relief for some patients.

Why Choose Aster Hospitals?

At Aster Hospitals, we provide specialized care for facial pain disorders, including trigeminal neuralgia. Our team of neurologists and pain management experts along with a dedicated neurosurgeon work together to diagnose and manage trigeminal neuralgia effectively. We use advanced imaging techniques like MRI scans to assess nerve compression and tailor treatment plans based on the severity of symptoms. We also offer neuromodulation therapies and pain management programs to assist patients with the care of a neurosurgeon.