Trigeminal Neuralgia
- What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
- What causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?
- Do I have Trigeminal Neuralgia?
- How does Dr. Ram evaluate me for trigeminal neuralgia?
- What are the available treatments?
- Am I a candidate for medications?
- What are the available medications?
- Am I a candidate for surgery?
- What are the available surgeries?
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a neuropathic pain disorder that presents with excruciating pain in one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve (the large nerve that supplies sensation to the face).
What causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?
The cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia is unclear. It is believed to be caused by abrasion (rubbing) of an intra-cranial (inside the skull) blood vessel against the trigeminal nerve. A very small percentage of cases of Trigeminal Neuralgia are caused by intra-cranial (inside the skull) tumors (growths).
Do I have Trigeminal Neuralgia?
You may have Trigeminal Neuralgia if you have one or more of these clinical features: Sharp shooting electric shock like pain of the face or teeth, lasting for a few seconds to minutes, burning pain in the face , usually one side of the face, sharp pain on light touch, washing the face, shaving etc.
How does Dr. Ram evaluate me for trigeminal neuralgia?
Dr. Ram, the specialist in this area, will listen to your history and perform a thorough clinical evaluation including a cranial nerve exam and any necessary radiographs or scans or MRI and will provide a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your condition.
What are the available treatments?
Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia includes medical or surgical management. Majority of patients can be managed with medications. A few patients who fails to respond to medication or cannot tolerate medications may need surgery.
Am I a candidate for medications?
Dr. Ram will determine if you are a candidate for medications based on your history and specific case details. In general most patients will be candidates for medications.
What are the available medications?
Medications for managing Trigeminal Neuralgia usually include anticonvulsants like Tegretol, Trileptal, Neurontin or muscle relaxants like Baclofen. Dr. Ram has published on Trigeminal Neuralgia and neuropathic pain extensively. To read Dr. Ram’s article on Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hypertension click on the link below:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19277836
Am I a candidate for surgery?
Surgery is the last resort for managing Trigeminal Neuralgia. It is reserved for those patients who do not respond to medications or cannot tolerate the side effects of the medications.
What are the available surgeries?
The available surgeries include gamma knife radiosurgery and microvascular decompression surgery. For more information on surgeries for Trigeminal Neuralgia visit the USC neurosurgery department at http://uscneurosurgery.com/conditions/trigeminal-neuralgia.php