Trigeminal neuralgia is manifested by severe pain in one area on the side of the face around the cheek or jaw, sometimes involving the forehead, eye and often the teeth – although the cause is not dental. Therefore a correct diagnosis by a specialist neurosurgeon is absolutely critical.
Consultant Neurosurgeon, Mr Ranj Bhangoo says, “The pain tends suddenly to stab, like a bolt of lightening, frequently brought on by minor brushing of the face, eating or cold wind or water touching a ‘trigger point’ on the face”. The condition is frequently associated with an abnormal course of a blood vessel close to the brain pressing on the trigeminal nerve which provides sensation for the face. However, Mr Bhangoo goes on to say in his article on Neurosurgical Treatments that, “Happily in most situations trigeminal neuralgia can be successfully treated and a totally pain-free outcome is the aim”.
Following a correct diagnosis involving an MRI scan of the brain, an expanding range of treatment options are available, including Cyberknife for some cases.
Latest Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Drug medication to reduce the aberrant firing of the nerve
- If the drug proves ineffective, or the side effects of the medication limit the use there are a number of surgical treatments with excellent results. (Depending on the specific case and the sufferer’s preference this can involve targeted injection under anaesthetic, up to brain surgery for the most severe cases)
- Focused radiation treatment using the CyberKnife® may allow successful ‘surgical’ treatment without the need for anaesthetic or penetration of the skin
For further details - http://www.totalhealth.co.uk/clinical-experts/mr-ranjeev-bhangoo/what-c…
