Leading Neurosurgeon describes options for Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia

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…

A medication that reduces sensation. Full medical glossary
A fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. Full medical glossary
The basic unit of all living organisms. Full medical glossary
The process of determining which condition a patient may have. Full medical glossary
An abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging, a technique for imaging the body that uses electromagnetic waves and a strong magnetic field. Full medical glossary
Bundle of fibres that carries information in the form of electrical impulses. Full medical glossary
Pain caused by irritation of or damage to a nerve. Full medical glossary
Energy in the form of waves or particles, including radio waves, X-rays and gamma rays. Full medical glossary
A disorder of the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face. Full medical glossary