Trigeminal neuralgia (another name for – trigeminal neuralgia) is a chronic disease that affects the trigeminal nerve (the fifth pair of cranial nerves) – one of the most branched nerves of the head. Trigeminal neuralgia – it is a form of neuropathic pain i.e. pain associated with nerve damage. About what forms of this disease occur, who is at greater risk of developing neuralgia of this type, what are the causes of trigminal neuralgia and what methods of treatment medicine offers today – read about all this in the article prepared for you by estet-portal.com.
The trigeminal nerve: where is it located and what functions does it perform
The trigeminal nerve is one of 12 pairs of nerves connected to the brain. The three branches of the trigeminal nerve carry signals from the upper, lower, and middle parts of the face, as well as the oral cavity, to the brain. The ophthalmic (upper) branch innervates most of the scalp, forehead, and front of the head. The maxillary (middle) branch stimulates the cheeks, upper jaw, upper lip, gums and sides of the nose. The mandibular (lower) part of the trigeminal nerve innervates the lower jaw, teeth and gums, as well as the lower lip.
Trigeminal neuralgia can affect several branches of this nerve at once. In rare cases, in a person, both halves of the face are affected at different times, even more rarely – at the same time (bilateral trigeminal neuralgia).
Trigeminal neuralgia – classic and atypical
The classic form of this disease (Type 1) causes a sudden burning sensation or pain in the face that lasts from a few seconds to two minutes.
Atypical trigeminal neuralgia (Type 2) is characterized by constant pain and burning. Both forms of trigeminal neuralgia can occur simultaneously in the same person.
Trigeminal neuralgia: causes
- The pressure of a blood vessel on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brainstem. This compression wears or damages the protective sheath around the nerve (the myelin sheath).
- Multiple sclerosis, which causes damage to the myelin sheath of nerves.
- Nerve compression by tumor or arteriovenous malformation.
- Trigeminal nerve injury (due to surgery, stroke, or facial trauma).
What are the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia
The intensity and nature of pain sensations vary depending on the type of trigeminal neuralgia: the pain can be sudden and acute or constant, aching, burning.
Intense attacks of pain may result from vibration or contact with the cheek (for example, while shaving, washing, applying makeup, brushing teeth, eating, talking, or being exposed to wind).
Pain may occur in a small area of the face or spread to larger areas.
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by attacks coming and going and can progress – attacks become more frequent and last longer.
This disease can occur at any age (more often – after 50 years), more often in women than in men.
Trigeminal neuralgia: treatment with drugs, surgery and complementary methods
- Medications:
anticonvulsants (more effective for trigeminal neuralgia type 1);
tricyclic antidepressants for pain relief.
- Trigeminal neuralgia: treatment with surgical methods:
2.1. Rhizotomy in the following forms: balloon compression, glycerin injections, radiofrequency ablation, stereotactic radiosurgery (gamma knife, cyber knife), microvascular decompression.
2.2. Neurectomy (excision of a section of the nerve).
- Complementary approaches
For trigeminal neuralgia, treatment may include complementary approaches such as:
- exercises;
- yoga;
- visualization;
- aromatherapy;
- meditation;
- acupuncture;
- chiropractic;
- biofeedback;
- vitamin therapy;
- medical nutrition.
Also, for trigeminal neuralgia, botulinum toxin injections are used to block the activity of sensory nerves.
Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia at home can be done only after consulting a doctor! It is the doctor who establishes the diagnosis and prescribes the necessary treatment plan. Estet-portal.com reminds: self-treatment can be dangerous for your health.
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