Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a persistent pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensations from your face to your brain. This condition causes intense, often debilitating pain triggered by minor facial stimuli, such as brushing your teeth or eating. Our board-certified neurosurgeons use their expert diagnostic skills and treatment strategies to help patients with trigeminal neuralgia at the North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center.

Signs and Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

This condition typically affects one side of the face and is characterized by severe, sharp pain, often described as an “electric shock.” The pain can last for a few seconds or minutes and may be triggered by everyday activities or even a breeze.

It will usually affect regions connected to the trigeminal nerve, such as the jaw, cheek, and teeth. The pain may occur in episodes (with pain-free intervals), which might lead to anxiety about future attacks.

Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia can result from several factors, including:

Aging
A swollen blood vessel
Multiple sclerosis or related conditions that damage the myelin sheath
Nerve compression from a tumor
Brain lesions or other irregularities

It predominantly affects women over 50, and certain triggers, such as facial movements, can worsen the condition.

Your Consultation

Diagnosing trigeminal neuralgia involves a comprehensive examination, including obtaining a detailed patient history and performing neurological assessments and/or reflex tests. Your doctor may also recommend imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to rule out other potential causes.

Obtaining a correct diagnosis can be challenging because patients often mistake the pain for a dental problem, leading them to seek help from dentists. This can result in unnecessary dental procedures before finding out the actual cause.

Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia

The presence of trigeminal neuralgia doesn’t necessarily entail a life of pain, given the range of available treatment options. Medical professionals can typically manage it through medications, alternative therapies, injections, or surgery.

Surgical interventions encompass techniques like trigeminal nerve manipulation, tumor or blood vessel removal, and specialized options like microvascular decompression. Some less invasive surgical methods are suitable for select cases and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

The skilled surgeons at North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center can help you navigate the optimal treatment path. Their expertise lies in the latest treatments and techniques, with a focus on diagnosing and treating brain, spine, and peripheral nerve disorders and diseases.

How Much Do Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatments Cost?

The cost of treating trigeminal neuralgia can vary significantly based on various factors, including the specific treatment(s) recommended, the severity of the condition, and your insurance coverage. Individual patient needs and the complexity of the treatment plan will also influence the overall price.

Contact Us For More Information

If you or your primary care provider believe you are experiencing symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, our North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center specialists may be able to help. Call 919-784-7550 or fill out our request form to arrange a consultation to explore your treatment options.

Next Day Appointments Available

The surgeons at North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center can help you decide on the treatment that’s best for you. They specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery and are experienced in diagnosing and treating disc disorders and disease, using the newest techniques for relieving pain and returning you to an active lifestyle. To make an appointment at North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center call 919-784-7550.

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