Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in Encino, CA
The trigeminal nerve carries sensations from the brain to the face, including pain. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic medical condition where stimulation of this nerve causes intense, overwhelming pain. Trigeminal neuralgia has many serious symptoms but is treatable.
Request more information about trigeminal neuralgia today: call (424) 365-1800 or contact Vitality Integrative Medicine online.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms
Most symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia involve pain. This pain typically comes in the form of an “attack”, which is a sudden rush of symptoms. The most common symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include:
- Occasional mild pain
- Pain on one side of the face
- Jaw pain
- Tooth pain
- Lip pain
- Cheek pain
- Sudden, severe pain resembling an electric shock
- Attacks of intense pain that last a few seconds
Sometimes a trigeminal neuralgia attack is triggered by something touching the face or trigeminal nerve. Common activities that cause attacks include:
- Teeth brushing
- Speaking
- Eating
- Touching the face
- Shaving
- Harsh weather
- Washing the face
- Smiling
- Drinking
Trigeminal Neuralgia Causes
The pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the trigeminal nerve is disrupted. This can occur for a number of different reasons, including:
- Blood vessel or artery pushing against the nerve
- Multiple sclerosis
- Tumor pushing against the vein
- Birth defects
- Brain lesions
Not all cases of trigeminal neuralgia have an easily explainable cause. Certain risk factors make a person more likely to deal with this problem. These risk factors include:
- Advanced age
- Being a woman
Regardless of the exact cause, most cases of trigeminal neuralgia can be treated.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment
Any treatment plan for trigeminal neuralgia begins with testing to ensure that the condition is present. Trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis typically begins with an assessment of the facial pain being experienced. This includes focusing on the type of pain, the location of the pain and issues that trigger the pain.
If trigeminal neuralgia is likely, more advanced testing begins. This typically includes a neurological examination or an MRI test. After a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is typically developed. The specific treatment option used will vary depending on the severity of the neuralgia and the individual patient's need.
Typical trigeminal neuralgia treatments include:
- Anticonvulsant medication
- Muscle-relaxing medication
- Rhizotomy: Various treatments to destroy nerve fibers and reduce pain. Types include injections, balloon compressions, and radiofrequency treatments.
- Microvascular decompression surgery: A treatment to relocate or remove blood vessels causing the neuralgia.
- Radiosurgery: A treatment that uses powerful radiation to target the root of the trigeminal nerve, which reduces or eliminates pain.
Request More Information Today
The best treatment for trigeminal neuralgia will depend on the individual case. While dealing with facial pain attacks, the pain can be overwhelming, treatment can help restore the quality of life. Request more information today: call (424) 365-1800 or contact Vitality Integrative Medicine online.
Vitality Integrative Medicine
Address
4849 Van Nuys BlvdSuite 104
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(424) 365-1800
www.vitalityintegrative.com
Hours
Mon:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tue:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thu:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat:
8:00 am - 12:00 pm