The worst pain imaginable is often caused by Trigeminal Neuralgia. As Consultant Neurosugeon, Mr Ian Sabin describes in his authoritative, plain English article for totalhealth: “This type of facial pain, often described as electric shock spasms of pain in the forehead, cheek or jaw, is said to be the worst pain imaginable, on occasion leading to suicide”. Mr Sabin goes on to say that, “Drug treatment can be very effective and there are also good surgical treatments available. Radiosurgery is a relatively recent addition to the therapeutic armamentarium and can give excellent pain relief although it may take many weeks to be effective.”
In his article, Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife® Radiosurgery, Mr Sabin describes the latest advances in treating neurological problems and how a range of benign and malignant tumours can now be effectively removed using radiosurgery, as well as other conditions including:
- Arterio-Venous malformations (AVMs)
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Meningioma
- Pituitary tumours
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Metastatic deposits
An AVM or arteriovenous malformation forms when arteries connect directly to veins. This direct connection forms a high-pressure shunt or fistula. The veins are not able to handle the pressure of the blood coming directly from the arteries. The veins stretch and enlarge to create a “nidus”. Usually there are multiple feeding vessels in an AVM and many draining veins.
Full medical glossaryAn AVM or arteriovenous malformation forms when arteries connect directly to veins. This direct connection forms a high-pressure shunt or fistula. The veins are not able to handle the pressure of the blood coming directly from the arteries. The veins stretch and enlarge to create a “nidus”. Usually there are multiple feeding vessels in an AVM and many draining veins.
Full medical glossaryAssociated with the nervous system and the brain.
Full medical glossary
