Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia, sometimes called tic douloureux, is a chronic condition that causes sudden, severe facial pain. Often described as stabbing or electric-shock-like, the pain typically occurs along the trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation in the face. An estimated 12 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with this condition each year in the U.S., making it uncommon but highly disruptive.

Pain can be triggered by seemingly minor actions like brushing teeth, shaving, or even a breeze across the cheek. For many, this condition interferes significantly with daily life, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological challenges.

At Cooper and Inspira Neuroscience, our expert neurologists and pain management specialists deliver comprehensive care for trigeminal neuralgia across South Jersey. Using advanced diagnostics and a collaborative care approach, we help patients find lasting relief.

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition involving the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensory information from your face to your brain. Hallmarks of the condition include:

• Sudden, intense facial pain, often on one side.
• Triggers such as chewing, speaking, or touching the face.

Without treatment, trigeminal neuralgia can lead to complications such as:

• Malnutrition or weight loss due to eating-related pain.
• Depression or anxiety from chronic discomfort.
• Side effects from long-term medication use.

There is also a form known as atypical trigeminal neuralgia, where pain is constant, dull, or burning, rather than sharp and episodic. This version can be harder to diagnose and treat but is still manageable with appropriate care.

Causes and Risk Factors

Common causes of trigeminal neuralgia include:

• Compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel.
• Nerve damage.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Overactive or tight facial muscles.

Risk factors may include:

• Age (most common in people over 50).
• Gender (slightly more common in women).

Get Best-in-Class Nerve Care at Cooper and Inspira Neuroscience

When it comes to nerve-related conditions, experience matters. Cooper and Inspira Neuroscience offers:

• Care from highly trained specialists in nerve and cranial pain.
• Cross-functional teams of neurologists, neurosurgeons, pain management doctors, and psychologists.
• Access to advanced diagnostic tools and cutting-edge treatments.
• A strong record of success treating complex nerve disorders.

Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia

Accurate diagnosis is essential to treating trigeminal neuralgia effectively. At Cooper and Inspira, your evaluation may include:

• Thorough clinical examination.
• Detailed medical history review.
• Imaging tests, such as MRI, to rule out other causes like tumors or MS.

Cooper and Inspira’s team may also use specialized neurological assessments to determine whether your condition is typical or atypical trigeminal neuralgia.

Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia treatment often begins with medication and may progress to surgical options depending on the severity and response to early therapies.

Treatment Options

1. Medication (first-line treatment):
   1. Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine).
   2. Muscle relaxants.
   3. Antidepressants (for associated pain and mood symptoms).
2. Minimally Invasive Procedures:
   1. Radiofrequency rhizotomy: targeted nerve lesioning.
   2. Balloon compression.
   3. Glycerol injection.
3. Surgical Treatment:
   1. Microvascular decompression (MVD): relocation of blood vessels compressing the nerve.
   2. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (a non-invasive form of radiation therapy).

Each plan is customized based on your unique case, lifestyle, and health profile.