Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is known for causing intense bursts of facial pain that can significantly impact daily life. Even though trigeminal nerve pain can be severe, it can also be treated. If you are living with or suspect you may have TN, it is important to see the right specialist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and understand the treatment options available.
Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensations from the face to the brain. Even mild stimulation of the face, such as brushing your teeth or applying makeup, can trigger jolts of severe pain. TN is often associated with conditions such as vascular compression, multiple sclerosis, or other nerve-related issues. Symptoms may include:
- Sudden, shock-like pain on one side of the face
- Pain episodes that last from several seconds to a few minutes
- Pain triggered by normal daily activities such as eating, speaking, or smiling
- Tingling, numbness or a dull, constant ache before the onset of more intense trigeminal neuralgia pain
If you are experiencing these symptoms, seeking help from the right specialist is critical to getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Specialists Who Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia requires specialized care from professionals who understand the unique challenges of this condition.
1. Neurologists
Neurologists specialize in treating nerve-related conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia, and are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing facial pain. A neurologist will perform a neurological exam and perform diagnostic tests like a CT scan or MRI to identify the root cause of the pain and rule out other conditions. These scans may reveal abnormal or enlarged blood vessels that may provide clues to the source of the pain. Once TN has been diagnosed, the neurologist will develop a treatment plan which may include medications, therapy or a referral to another specialist such as a neurosurgeon or pain management specialist.
2. Neurosurgeons
For patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication or non-invasive treatments, surgery may be an option. Neurosurgeons are skilled in performing surgical procedures such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery and microvascular decompression (MVD) to treat trigeminal neuralgia. Neurosurgeons work closely with neurologists to determine when surgery is the best course of action.
3. Pain Management Specialists
If your pain is not being effectively managed by medicines provided by your neurologist, a pain management specialist can provide alternative treatment options such as nerve blocks, Botox injections, or acupuncture. They can also recommend physical therapy or guide patients through pain-relief techniques. While pain management specialists often work in a supportive capacity to your neurologist, their role is essential for patients seeking non-surgical options.
Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia aims to reduce or eliminate pain and improve quality of life. Depending on your condition, a combination of the following options may be recommended by your neurologist, neurosurgeon, or pain management specialist:
Medications
Medications are the first course of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia pain. Treatment usually involves medicines designed to calm overactive nerve function including:
- Anticonvulsants: Traditionally used to treat seizures but can also stop the trigeminal nerve from sending pain signals
- Muscle relaxants: Help relax muscles and alleviate pain by targeting tightness and muscle spasms
These medications can be very effective, but some patients may find the side effects intolerable, experience diminishing results over time, or experience worsening symptoms.
Therapy
Various forms of therapy, like physical and cognitive behavioral therapy, can be beneficial for patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Physical therapy focuses on relieving muscle pain and tension that can worsen nerve pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients develop coping strategies for dealing with the emotional toll of chronic pain.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure that has revolutionized the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. This advanced technology focuses multiple beams of radiation with precision on the targeted area, ensuring that only the affected nerve is targeted, eliminating or reducing your pain while minimizing potential damage to surrounding tissues. For TN patients, this level of accuracy is crucial, as it maximizes pain relief while minimizing the risk of facial dysfunction and numbness. Unlike traditional surgeries, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery does not involve any incisions, reducing risks and improving recovery time.
Patients often choose Gamma Knife because it offers a minimally invasive alternative with fewer side effects and a faster recovery time than traditional surgical options like MVD. The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Microvascular Decompression Surgery (MVD)
Microvascular Decompression Surgery involves a neurosurgeon performing an open surgery to relieve compression on the trigeminal nerve caused by blood vessels. MVD requires an incision behind the ear and the removal of a small piece of skull to allow the surgeon to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve. While this procedure has a high success rate in reducing trigeminal neuralgia pain and has been a standard treatment for TN, it poses more potential risks and a longer recovery. Therefore, it is typically recommended to younger patients who are good surgical candidates.
Why Choose The Valley Gamma Knife Center?
Choosing the right treatment center is crucial for trigeminal neuralgia patients seeking effective relief. The Valley Gamma Knife Center in Bergen County, New Jersey stands out as a top choice for its advanced technology, comprehensive care, and exceptional doctors. The Valley Gamma Knife Center specializes in delivering an experienced, multidisciplinary approach and advanced treatments for TN to help patients reclaim their lives.
Advanced Technology
Gamma Knife surgery is not only cutting edge, it is established as the gold standard in stereotactic radiosurgery, with over 50 years of evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. No other platform or device has this kind of track record. Valley was the first hospital in northern New Jersey to offer Gamma Knife radiosurgery and The Valley Hospital’s Gamma Knife Center is a proud member of the North American Gamma Knife Consortium (NAGKC), a group of elite centers of excellence that perform Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
Comprehensive Care
Patients at The Valley Gamma Knife Center benefit from a holistic approach to treatment, with supportive care from additional specialties within Valley Health System. This comprehensive care ensures all aspects of a patient’s health are considered.
Exceptional Doctors
The team at The Valley Gamma Knife Center is comprised of highly experienced doctors renowned for their expertise in minimally invasive surgery and treating trigeminal neuralgia. Their commitment to research and involvement in clinical studies keeps them abreast of the latest developments, ensuring their patients receive the best possible care. Additionally, their dedication to patient care is reflected in the numerous awards and recognitions they have received.
Finding Relief for TN—Your Next Steps
Trigeminal neuralgia does not have to control your life. With the right specialist and treatment plan, effective pain relief is within reach. Whether you are considering medication, surgery, or Gamma Knife radiosurgery, your path to relief starts with consulting a team that understands your condition and is committed to greatly reducing or ending your facial pain.
At The Valley Gamma Knife Center, our team is here to listen, evaluate, and offer a treatment plan that works for you. Stop enduring pain and take back your life today.
