Intermittent Facial Pain? You May Have Trigeminal Neuralgia

If you’re experiencing sudden, intermittent facial pain, it may be a condition called trigeminal neuralgia. Known for causing sharp, shooting pain along one side of the face, trigeminal neuralgia can significantly impact your quality of life. At New York Facial Paralysis, we specialize in diagnosing and treating this debilitating condition, helping patients regain comfort and control over their lives.

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia, or TN, is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensations from your face to your brain. Even mild stimulation, such as brushing your teeth or applying makeup, can trigger intense, stabbing pain.

Possible causes of TN include:

• Nerve Compression: The most common cause is pressure on the trigeminal nerve, often from a blood vessel pressing against it.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): In some cases, trigeminal neuralgia is associated with MS, which causes damage to the nerve’s protective covering (myelin sheath).
• Injury or Trauma: Facial injuries or surgeries may lead to nerve damage that triggers this condition.

While trigeminal neuralgia can occur at any age, it is more common in individuals over 50.

Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Symptoms often vary but typically include:

• Sudden, Severe Pain: Sharp, electric-shock-like pain that affects one side of the face, often triggered by simple actions like chewing, speaking, or touching the face.
• Episodes of Pain: Pain can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may occur in rapid succession or intermittently.
• Unpredictable Flare-Ups: The condition may be episodic, with weeks or months of no symptoms, followed by sudden recurrences.

If left untreated, trigeminal neuralgia can worsen over time, with episodes becoming more frequent and severe.

Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia

At New York Facial Paralysis, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options, beginning with the least invasive methods and progressing to surgical solutions when necessary.

1. Medications

The first line of treatment typically involves medications designed to manage nerve pain. These include:

• Antiseizure Drugs: Medications like Neurontin (gabapentin) and Tegretol (carbamazepine) can help stabilize nerve activity.
• Pain Relief Medication: Drugs such as Depakote or Klonopin are sometimes prescribed to alleviate symptoms.

These medications can effectively manage symptoms, but if they become ineffective or cause unwanted side effects, other treatments may be required.

2. Microvascular Decompression (MVD)

When medications fail, microvascular decompression is a surgical option. This procedure involves relieving pressure on the trigeminal nerve caused by a blood vessel. The surgeon gently moves the vessel away from the nerve or ligates it, significantly reducing or eliminating pain.

While MVD is the most effective treatment, it is also the most invasive. It is typically considered only after other, less invasive methods have been exhausted.

3. Glycerol Injection

For patients seeking less invasive solutions, glycerol injection may be recommended. In this procedure, a small amount of sterile glycerol is injected into the trigeminal nerve to block pain signals. This treatment can offer significant relief without the need for major surgery.

Find Relief from Trigeminal Neuralgia

At New York Facial Paralysis, we understand how disruptive trigeminal neuralgia can be. Our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized, effective treatment plans tailored to your needs, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

If you’re experiencing intermittent facial pain, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options. Let us help you take the first step toward a pain-free life.