Samobathi Pain Clinic - 6/Z Umakanta Sen Lane Kolkata 700030
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What is Trigeminal Neuralgia ?
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a painful disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. This disorder causes severe and sudden pain in the face that can be triggered by simple activities such as chewing, talking, or even touching the face. The pain is often described as sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like and can last from a few seconds to several minutes.
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a rare disorder that affects approximately 1 in 15,000 people. It is most commonly seen in individuals over the age of 50, and it is more common in women than men. The exact cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia is not yet known, but it is believed to be related to the compression of the trigeminal nerve by blood vessels or tumours.
Living with Trigeminal Neuralgia can be challenging, as the pain can be severe and unpredictable. It can also be emotionally draining, as the fear of pain can cause individuals to avoid social situations and activities they once enjoyed. However, with the right treatment and support, individuals with Trigeminal Neuralgia can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
Why trigeminal neuralgia occurs?
The cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not properly understood but it may me due to presence of aberrant blood vessel at the trigeminal root entry zone .
What is the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia ?
In the early stage -
Trigeminal neuralgia though not completely curable can be treated with medicines. There are various treatments available to help manage the symptoms. The most common treatment is medication, such as anticonvulsants or muscle relaxants, which can help to reduce the frequency and severity of the pain. In some cases, The medicine that are effective in management of trigeminal neuralgia pain are carbamazepine (first line drug in trigeminal neuralgia ) , oxcarbazepine, gabapentin, and a muscle relaxant baclofen. . The medicines are to be taken regularly as prescribed by the doctor.
What are the treatment options when trigeminal neuralgia pain is not relieving with medicines ?
The treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia pain when it is not responding to drugs are interventional and surgical.
Interventional treatments for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia are radiofrequency (RF) treatment at gasserian ganglion, retro-gasserian glycerol injection, and gasserian ganglion balloon compression. and the surgical treatment is microvascular decompression (MVD).
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a rare but debilitating disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve and causes severe facial pain. While there is no cure for this disorder, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. It is important for individuals with Trigeminal Neuralgia to seek medical attention and support to help them cope with the challenges of this disorder.