What are the best treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia?

See the best treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia here

Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain. The condition is characterized by sudden, severe facial pain that can be triggered by even mild stimuli such as eating, talking, or touching the face. The pain can be debilitating and significantly impact a person's quality of life. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to manage and alleviate the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.

1. Medications

Medications are often the first line of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. Anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) are commonly prescribed to reduce nerve pain. These medications work by stabilizing the hyperexcitable nerves and reducing the transmission of pain signals. However, it is important to note that not all patients respond well to these medications, and they may cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.

2. Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks involve injecting an anesthetic or a combination of anesthetic and steroid medication near the trigeminal nerve to temporarily numb the area and provide pain relief. This procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting and may provide immediate relief for some patients. However, the effects of nerve blocks are temporary and may require repeated treatments.

3. Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to selectively destroy the trigeminal nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and can provide long-lasting pain relief. However, it is important to consider that radiofrequency ablation may cause temporary facial numbness or sensory loss.

4. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a non-invasive treatment option that delivers highly focused radiation beams to the trigeminal nerve root. The radiation damages the nerve and disrupts its ability to transmit pain signals. This procedure is typically performed in a single session and has a high success rate in providing long-term pain relief. However, it may take several weeks or months for the full effect of the treatment to be realized.

5. Microvascular Decompression

Microvascular decompression is a surgical procedure that involves repositioning or removing blood vessels that may be compressing the trigeminal nerve. By relieving the pressure on the nerve, this procedure can effectively alleviate the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Microvascular decompression is considered a more invasive option and carries the risks associated with any surgical procedure.

6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation involves implanting a small device near the affected nerve to deliver electrical impulses that disrupt the pain signals. This treatment option is typically considered for patients who have not responded well to other treatments or are not suitable candidates for surgery. Peripheral nerve stimulation can provide long-term pain relief and can be adjusted to meet individual needs.

7. Complementary Therapies

In addition to medical interventions, complementary therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques may help manage the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. These therapies focus on reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving overall well-being. While they may not provide complete pain relief, they can be used in conjunction with other treatments to enhance their effectiveness.

It is important to note that the choice of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, individual response to medications, and the underlying cause of the condition. Consulting with a healthcare professional who specializes in pain management or neurology is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual.

Diseasemaps

Posted Mar 17, 2017 by Debbie K 1050

Mvd surgery seems good. Botox has potential.

Posted Mar 17, 2017 by Lee 1000

I havnt had any medication that helps so all i can do is take it easy and relax.

Posted Mar 17, 2017 by Tanja-Marie 1340

Rest. Allow yourself the time to rest. Take vitamins. I use Plexus Nerve Health. It is the only product that is designed to help regenerate nerve health. It is designed by a doctor who works with pain management. It is natural so you will not see an effect in 24 hours or even 2 weeks. But keep using it. Anything natural takes at least 3 months plus another one for every year you have had the disease. Use other medication while this is doing its job. You can contact me for how to get this here: http://shopmyplexus.com/melissanewport

Posted Mar 20, 2017 by Melissa 300

So far Amitriptyline and Tegratol . Relaxation and meditation.

Posted Mar 20, 2017 by Joyce Parton 1000

The are many different types of medications; typically Tegretol (carbamazepine) is the most successful in controlling pain. Once medications are no longer effective, there are several procedures used for TN, such as microvascular decompression, rhizotomy, gamma knife, etc. I believe decompression is most effective, but only if the neuralgia is caused by a blood vessel or something else compressing the nerve.

Posted Mar 21, 2017 by Sandy 1052

MVD or gamma knife

Posted Mar 21, 2017 by Hema 1000

Finding the correct medications for your symptoms and managing your everyday energy through your management of stress rest diet exercise and social supports.

Posted Mar 21, 2017 by Heidi 1000

Will depend on your symptoms and the cause for your TN. I tried a range of alternative mecidines and drugs for 6 years with limited success and then had a MVD surgery which was very successful.

Posted Mar 22, 2017 by Denise 350

I have a typical I have not found anything that works properly

Posted May 24, 2017 by Nancy 2250

A lidocaine infusion was the o my thing that helped me after 17 years. I tried chiropractic care, Botox, nerve blocks, and an MVD, but to no avail, the lidocaine infusion has help tremendously!

Posted May 28, 2017 by Miranda 690

The most effective treatment for TN is MVD (Microvascular Decompression).

Other, less effective, types of surgery include GammaKnife (radiation), needle rhizotomy, balloon compression and neurofrequency lesioning, which are all nerve damaging procedures.

TN can be rather successfully treated with anticonvulsants.
Tegretol/Carbamazepine and Dilantin are highly effective medications in the treatment of TN.
It is diffcult to find the right combination of medications that works for a particular individual.
This requires treatment by an expert neurologist.

Other types of treatment include sphenopalatine ganglion blocks or Botox injections.

Posted Jun 11, 2017 by Margo 3125

Micro-Vascular Decompression (MVD), Pregabalin, Gabapentin, Tegretol, Seroquel, Lithium etc.

Posted Jun 14, 2017 by John 900

I've had an MCD. It was in unsuccessful. It does carry the most success rate of all the treatments for TN. Lots of people have gamma knife. I'm currently trying botox injections.

Posted Jul 29, 2017 by Jltaylor21 820

For now: MVD.
Until we fully understand the root causes (pun intended) of TN, MVD appears to have the highest success rate in pain reduction.
The fact that TN reoccurs in many cases after MVD shows that brain surgery only treats the symptoms, not the underlying pathology.

Posted Jul 29, 2017 by Christina 1100

Painkillers,magnesium spray,vitamin B

Posted Jul 30, 2017 by Poison Yvy 2015

Tegretol (varied versions of the anti seizure medication) are the gold standard for medicine. Gabapentin, klonopin, lamictal, lyrica, baclofen are all medications sometimes indicated for this condition.
Generally opiate pain medications are not viewed as useful for nerve pain. However, there is increasing research showing that Gabapentin with opiate pain medication offer relief. It's fairly non responsive to over the counter medication.
Since many can't eat solid food turmeric, ginger, cucumber, cinnamon are all anti inflammatorys that lesson the pain slightly when added to daily smoothie. Magnesium (without calcium) is a natural muscle relaxant which may work for some.
Botox injections and lidocaine injections are usually offered by pain management clinics. Ketamine implants also are a treatment currently used.
Gamma knife surgery (radiation directly aimed at the nerve) is the next step if the rest hasn't provided relief. The last step is usually MVD surgery (micro-vascular decompression) of the Trigiminial Nerve.
Unfortunately these are not bullet proof treatments and do have to be repeated for some. It is also not easy to find a surgeon willing to perform MVD so thinking outside the box can help.
The facial pain clinic in Oregon is currently working on a CBD oil this disease. Currently I have no opinion on the efficiency of this.

Posted Jul 30, 2017 by Julia 500

Oxcarbazepine, Carbamazepine, MVD surgery

Posted Aug 6, 2017 by Michelle 2050

Peac, massages, no stress.

Posted Sep 8, 2017 by Zuzana C.V. 300

Start with meds anti conclusive drugs. Pain pills don't work let Dr. make recommendation for you. Also, research research and more research!

Posted Oct 3, 2017 by Korine 1200

Carbamazipine Cr or "Tegratol" are the most common rx first prescribed. Other nerve blockers like Lyrica, Amitriptyline etc or what ever. The key is opoids are less prescribed at it's boy a nerve blocker

Posted Feb 4, 2018 by James 2500

I've done a lot of different things. My doctors have tried upwards of 40 prescriptions, surgeries, and alternative Therapies. When they looked at me and said my only options left or experimental surgeries I decided to go another route. I found living a healthier lifestyle, and using supplements I found manages my pain better than anything I have found in years!

Posted Feb 23, 2018 by Alicia 2600

Microvascular decompression surgery & gamma knife (targeted radiation) and anti-seizure meds.

Posted Apr 21, 2018 by Rennierich 400

Antiepileptic/anticonvulsant drugs, injections or surgery.

Posted May 18, 2018 by Jackie 1800

Usually medication in the form of anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin and carbamazepine would be prescribed to help control the number of pain shocks and lessen their severity.

There are essentially three other treatments: (1) glycerol rhizotomy, (2) microvascular decompression, and (3) gamma knife surgery (GKS). Of these, the glycerol rhizotomy, which deadens the trigeminal nerve at the ganglion, requires repetition every couple of years, sometimes more frequently. The microvascular decompression, whether via a large opening of the patient's skull or endoscopically is a delicate operation in which the trigeminal nerve is separated from an offending blood vessel at the root entry zone and teflon pledgets/pads are used to keep them separated. The GKS is the least barbaric and most painless. The trigeminal nerve is bombarded with fine beams of gamma radiation to effectively change the biology of the nerve. The pain shocks may occur but as waves of numbness rather than excruciating, suicide inducing pain.

Posted Feb 12, 2020 by Eric 2550

At all times your Dr needs to be your primary contact for & with TN.
The Dr would probably prescribe Carbamazepine which is the best way to begin treatment. Alongside this is a number of antidepressants & painkillers from which a group can be selected. Oxygen is recognised as one of the best no side effect. There's a range of operations to rid us or control of the agony.

Posted Oct 7, 2021 by Tim 400

Translated from spanish Improve translation

neurontin patches and durogesic

Posted Mar 3, 2017 by Ignacio 1000

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The antiepileticos, antidepressants etc

Posted Sep 17, 2017 by Teresa 220