Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a functional disorder of the 5th cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) which causes episodes of sharp or electric-shock like pain in parts of the face. It is often misdiagnosed as dental problems affecting the teeth, gums or as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). Those who suffer from the disease often alter their lives or routines for fear of an impending pain attack.
The common symptom is sudden, extreme, stabbing/shock-like pain along one side of the face lasting a few seconds to several minutes or longer per episode. Successive, multiple episodes typically occur and tend to grow worse over time. Attacks generally stop for a period of time, but return. Pain typically occurs around the eye or forehead, across the cheek and/or down the lower part of the face along the jaw line.
Pain is often triggered by a number of different activities such as:
- Touching of any area of the face
- Brushing teeth
- Chewing food/eating
- Drinking
- Applying makeup to the face
- Shaving areas of the face
- Talking
- Exposure to wind or heavy breezes
- Heavy vibrations
There can be multiple causes for the disease. TN can be caused by a blood vessel pressing against or on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brain stem. Compression of the nerve causes the protective coating on the nerve to wear away, eventually leading to the nerve sending pain sensations to the brain. A tumor may also be the cause of nerve compression. In some patients, it's believed to be part of the aging process. In some cases, the cause for this disorder is unknown.
TN typically affects older adults, usually over the age of 50, but it can occur at any age. In patients younger than 40, physicians are more likely to identify the cause of the pain. It is more common in women than men, and is also more common in people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Gamma Knife is a non-invasive alternative to surgical forms of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. The treatment is performed in a single, painless outpatient procedure with no general anesthesia. Gamma Knife treatment often allows patients to reduce dependency on medications (which is generally the first line of treatment). Since it typically occurs in older patients, Gamma Knife provides an alternative to open surgical procedures that may not be tolerated well, or for patients who cannot undergo those procedures due to other health concerns or advanced age. Gamma Knife also requires no or very little rehabilitative services. Treatment is covered by most insurance companies, including Medicare.
With your primary physician's referral, call (601) 376-2074 and schedule your individual evaluation to see if this treatment is right for you.