Facial Pain
(Trigeminal Neuralgia)
Facial Pain (Neuropathic Pain and Trigeminal Neuralgia)
Trigeminal Neuralgia (Tic Douloureux)
Trigeminal Neuralgia affects women more than men, in the age range of 50-70 years of age. It is an extremely “excruciating” pain condition that usually occurs on one side of the face, more often on the “right” side. It originates from the “trigeminal ganglion” where it then branches into three divisions: V1 Ophthalmic Nerve division, V2 Maxillary Nerve division and V3 Mandibular Nerve division. The most common branch affected is V3, the mandibular branch, which affects the lower jaw. The most common causes of trigeminal neuralgia include nerve compression by blood vessels in the base of the skull, tumors compressing the nerve, Multiple Sclerosis, and injury to the nerve (trauma, infections, dental procedures). One of the methods used to diagnose TN is to block the nerve with topical and/or local anesthetic blocks and see if the pain resolves. Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia includes:
Trigeminal Neuralgia affects women more than men, in the age range of 50-70 years of age. It is an extremely “excruciating” pain condition that usually occurs on one side of the face, more often on the “right” side. It originates from the “trigeminal ganglion” where it then branches into three divisions: V1 Ophthalmic Nerve division, V2 Maxillary Nerve division and V3 Mandibular Nerve division. The most common branch affected is V3, the mandibular branch, which affects the lower jaw. The most common causes of trigeminal neuralgia include nerve compression by blood vessels in the base of the skull, tumors compressing the nerve, Multiple Sclerosis, and injury to the nerve (trauma, infections, dental procedures). One of the methods used to diagnose TN is to block the nerve with topical and/or local anesthetic blocks and see if the pain resolves. Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia includes:
- Medications (anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants)
- Balloon Rhizotomy Surgery
- Percutaneous Rhizotomy Surgery (Chemical or Radiofrequency)
- Microvascular Decompression Surgery (Neurosurgery)