Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is the nerve that carries sensation from the face to the brain. Trigeminal neuralgia is said to be one of the most excruciating pains known to humanity. Even doing something as simple as brushing your teeth or putting on makeup can trigger a jolt of pain.
There is evidence that the disorder runs in families, meaning that it is a result of inherited blood vessel formation. This condition is also more likely to occur in people over 50 and is typically more frequent in women than men. However, it is usually caused because the trigeminal nerve’s function has been disrupted. The issue is that the contact between a normal blood vessel and the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain causes pressure to be put on the nerve and results in malfunction. Some people may also experience trigeminal neuralgia if they have multiple sclerosis, a tumor compressing the nerve, a brain lesion, surgical injuries, stroke, or facial trauma.
The area most typically affected is the lower face and jaw, but sometimes it can spread to the nose and above the eye. Initially, you might experience short, mild attacks in your face, but with trigeminal neuralgia, it can progress and cause longer and more frequent attacks of searing pain.
Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia may include:
Although trigeminal neuralgia in some cases cannot be cured, there are many treatments and medications that Clearway offers to alleviate the pain. Typically, the treatment starts with medication, and sometimes people do not need any further treatment. Some people may stop responding to the medication over time and need to go a step further with injections or even surgery. If the condition is due to an underlying cause, your physician will treat that source.
Did you know there are different kinds of pain? As we delve deeper into Pain Awareness Month, let’s simplify and understand these types better
Pain Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder to acknowledge and empathize with those who battle chronic pain daily. If you have a loved one dealing with chronic pain, your support can make a significant difference in their journey toward relief and improved quality of life.
In this blog post, we will explore the Viadisc Procedure and how it is revolutionizing pain management for patients.
Are you ready to alleviate your pain and restore your physical function so you can live your best life – the one you want and deserve? The entire Clearway team is ready to help.
To request an appointment, please click the button below. You will be routed to our Patient Portal, where you can register with us by providing us with some basic information. We will get back as quickly as possible to set up and confirm your appointment day and time. Just below the form, we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, as well.
