What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare pain syndrome characterized by episodic and severe facial pain.
Symptoms
Most commonly, trigeminal neuralgia involves severe, typically sharp, stabbing and electric shock-like pain on one side of the face, in the distribution of one or more of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve, which is the nerve that provides sensation to the face. In some cases, there may be a component of more continuous, dull or aching-type pain also affecting the same side of the face.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is made based on clinical signs and symptoms. Once a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is made, radiographic imaging, usually in the form of an MRI with contrast, is required to rule out a tumor or other underlying structural abnormality. A particular type of MRI with high-resolution images can be obtained in order to check for microvascular conflict, which occurs when a blood vessel compresses the trigeminal nerve near the base of the brain.
Treatment Options
The initial treatment of trigeminal neuralgia should always include medications, and these are typically prescribed by a primary care physician or headache specialist (neurologist). If the pain cannot be adequately controlled with medical therapy, a neurosurgeon should be consulted to discuss additional treatment options, which may include surgery (microvascular decompression), nerve ablation, and/or stereotactic radiosurgery.
How Can We Help You?
The multi-disciplinary team at the Ayer Neuroscience Institute offers the full spectrum of care for patients with trigeminal neuralgia, from diagnosis to treatment to lifelong follow up and support. Our experienced team of specialists includes fellowship-trained neurosurgeons, headache neurologists, pain management specialists, neuroradiologists, and subspecialized physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and therapists.