Trigeminal neuralgia is usually associated with acute stabbing pain that feels similar to an electrical current, affecting one of the trigeminal nerve branches. The pain is usually confined to one side of the face.

Pain exacerbations usually last for a few seconds, but they are extremely debilitating. Cold air, brushing teeth and touching one’s face is enough to trigger a pain crisis.

More often than not, this pain is misdiagnosed as toothache.

TREATMENT

Trigeminal neuralgia is curable and there are multiple treatment options. Pharmaceutical treatment is effective in most patients. If medication is not effective or no longer works, there are specific surgical options with excellent results.

Trigeminal neuralgia surgical treatments:

• Transdermal rhizotomy.  A specialized needle is placed under CT guidance, near the trigeminal ganglion, and using a radiofrequency generator the cells responsible for the pain are cauterized. This method is safe, requires no hospitalization, and provides immediate relief.
• Microvascular decompression. Through a small craniotomy, using a surgical microscope the area of the trigeminal nerve is explored and any vessels compressing the nerve are microsurgically removed.
• High precision radiation is applied on a selected part of the trigeminal nerve. This treatment does not require hospitalization and does not involve surgery or incisions. It takes a few weeks for it to act and is preferred by patients who cannot respond to other treatment options, or who simply do not wish to undergo surgery.