Overview
The trigeminal nerve is one of the largest cranial nerves, which diverges into three:-
- Ophthalmic (V1): Forehead, eye, and upper face.
- Maxillary (V2): Cheeks, upper lip, and upper teeth.
- Mandibular (V3): Jaw, lower teeth, and lower lip.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a problem/condition in which the trigeminal nerve is dysfunctional due to nerve irritation or compression. It leads to unilateral, extremely severe pain with a sudden onset lasting seconds to minutes. The painful episodes tend to occur in clusters, making the patient never at ease with daily activities.
Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Though the cause can differ, the common causes include:-
- Blood Vessel Compression: An artery or vein pressing on the trigeminal nerve near its brainstem origin.
- Nerve Damage: From trauma, surgery, or facial injury.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Demyelination affecting the trigeminal nerve.
- Rarely is a tumor or cyst pressing on the nerve.
- Occasionally, dental or facial procedures may trigger nerve irritation.
- Idiopathic (unknown) causes: Some patients have no apparent cause found.
Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Patients often describe TN as:-
- Sudden, severe, stabbing, or shock-like pain in the face.
- Pain is triggered by everyday activities (eating, brushing teeth, shaving, speaking, or even smiling).
- Pain lasts seconds to minutes, but attacks may recur in clusters.
- Pain on one side of the face (rarely both).
- Sensitivity to touch, wind, or vibration on the face.
- Periods of remission (no pain) followed by recurrences.
Because of the fear of attacks, these patients tend to avoid doing normal daily functions, which eventually leads to variable degrees of chronic worry, anxiety, and depression, particularly if TN remains untreated over time.
Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia
At Dr Ekta's Pain Management Clinic, the diagnosis is based on a thorough evaluation:-
- Medical History & Symptom Review - Understanding triggers, frequency, and type of pain.
- Neurological Examination: Assessing facial sensation and reflexes.
- MRI or MRA: To detect blood vessel compression, tumors, or multiple sclerosis.
- Diagnostic Nerve Blocks: To confirm involvement of the trigeminal nerve.
Specialized evaluation is essential because facial pain can sometimes be mistaken for dental problems, sinus issues, or migraines.
Why We Are Different
No
Surgery
30-Minute Procedure
Targets Root Cause
Minimal Downtime
Long-Lasting Results
Proven, Safe Methods
Treatment Options at Dr Ekta's Pain Management Clinic
By and large, we work with non-surgical and minimally invasive pain management methods that can give both immediate relief and control over the long term.
Medication Therapy
- Anti-seizure medications (e.g., Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine) – most effective for nerve overactivity.
- Muscle relaxants for associated muscle spasms.
- Neuropathic pain medicines (gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine).
- Antidepressants are used in selected cases to reduce pain perception.
Interventional Pain Procedures
- Trigeminal Nerve Blocks: Targeted injections to stop pain signals temporarily.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Destroys overactive nerve fibers, offering longer relief.
- Glycerol or Alcohol Injections: Provide chemical neurolysis for nerve pain control.
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections: Effective in reducing facial nerve sensitivity.
- Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy: Modulates nerve activity without destroying it.
- Neuromodulation or Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: It happens through special devices to alter pain signals in severe cases.
Exercises and Rehabilitation
Although TN is nerve-related, physiotherapy assists in cases where muscle tension worsens pain, especially around the jaw and neck.
Lifestyle & Supportive Care
- Stress management to reduce the frequency of attacks.
- Nutritional support (Vitamin B12, magnesium for nerve health).
- Counseling for patients to cope with anxiety and fear of attacks.
Self-Care and Prevention Tips
- Identify and avoid triggers (very hot/cold foods, strong wind, chewing on hard foods).
- While shaving or brushing, keep facial care extra gentle.
- Take care of dental hygiene; keep your dentist informed about TN.
- Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises for stress relief.
- Eat healthily and maintain adequate sleep and hydration.
- Take medicines on time as prescribed; missing doses may trigger an attack.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cure for trigeminal neuralgia?
Very rarely, however, the modern methods of pain management do a great deal toward not only controlling pain but also providing long-term relief from it.
Does trigeminal neuralgia increase in intensity with time?
Yes, if untreated, the attacks become more frequent and severe with time. If treated early, progression can be prevented.
Could trigeminal neuralgia be mistaken for dental pain?
Yes. Many patients have had needless dental procedures before undergoing a correct diagnosis. Thus, a specialist evaluation is mandatory.
Are injections good for trigeminal neuralgia?
Yes. Injection for nerve blocks and RFA is minimally invasive and safe when performed by an experienced doctor
Any lifestyle alterations help?
Yes, these changes include stress management, nutrition, and avoidance of triggers that could bring on the attacks.
Why Dr Ekta's Pain Management Clinic for Trigeminal Neuralgia?
- Expertise in facial nerve pain disorders.
- Advanced Non-Surgical options, including nerve blocks, RFA, Botox, and Neuromodulation.
- Personalized plans that will consider each patient’s triggers and lifestyle.
- Comprehensive support: counseling, prevention.
- Patient-Centered Philosophy aimed at bringing back comfort and confidence.
At Dr Ekta's Pain Management Clinic, we believe that no patient should suffer in silence with the pain of trigeminal neuralgia. Using a combination of advanced therapies, compassionate care, and holistic support, we help reclaim the lives of our patients from severe facial pain.
Why Choose Us
We’re the most trusted Pain Specialists in West Delhi.
Our expert clinical approach and treatment framework extends beyond just ordinary pain-relief practices to precise and targeted comprehensive pain treatment and management that ensures faster recovery and quicker return to an active life.
With robust expertise in advanced non-surgical Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in West Delhi, our Pain Specialists at Dr Ekta’s Pain Management Clinic, strives to ensure the best of care for lasting pain relief and comfort.
Here’s why we’re the best at what we do:
- Expertise
- Compassionate Care
- Advanced Techniques
- Personalized Treatment Plans
- Commitment to Quality
- Transparent