Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments in Long Beach, California
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain.
Even mild stimulation of your face—such as brushing your teeth or applying makeup—can trigger a jolt of excruciating pain.
Understanding this condition is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment and improving quality of life.
Table of Contents
- What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
- Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Treatment Options
- Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in Long Beach, California
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a condition characterized by sudden, severe facial pain.
This pain is often described as sharp, shooting, or like an electric shock.
It typically affects one side of the face and can last from a few seconds to several minutes.
The trigeminal nerve is responsible for transmitting sensations from your face to your brain, and when it's disrupted, it can lead to intense pain episodes.
Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The primary cause of trigeminal neuralgia is compression of the trigeminal nerve, usually by a blood vessel pressing on the nerve near the brainstem.
This pressure wears away the protective coating around the nerve (myelin sheath), leading to erratic and hyperactive nerve signals.
Other causes may include multiple sclerosis, which damages the myelin sheath, or, in rare cases, a tumor compressing the nerve.
Sometimes, the condition can result from facial trauma or surgical injuries.
Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Common symptoms include sudden episodes of severe, shooting, or jabbing pain that feels like an electric shock.
These attacks can be spontaneous or triggered by activities such as touching the face, chewing, speaking, or brushing teeth.
The pain episodes typically affect one side of the face and may last from a few seconds to several minutes.
As the condition progresses, these episodes can become more frequent and intense, sometimes leading to a constant aching or burning sensation.
Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Diagnosing trigeminal neuralgia involves a thorough medical history and physical examination.
Doctors assess the type, location, and triggers of the pain to differentiate it from other facial disorders.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be used to determine if a blood vessel is compressing the nerve or to rule out other causes such as tumors or multiple sclerosis.
Treatment Options
Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia aims to reduce or block the pain signals sent to the brain.
Initial treatments often include medications such as anticonvulsants like carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, which help reduce nerve firing.
If medications are ineffective or cause significant side effects, surgical options may be considered.
One common surgical procedure is microvascular decompression, which involves relocating or removing blood vessels that are compressing the trigeminal nerve.
Another option is stereotactic radiosurgery, such as Gamma Knife® treatment, which uses focused radiation to damage the nerve and reduce pain transmission.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in Long Beach, California
Residents of Long Beach, California, have access to specialized care for trigeminal neuralgia.
Coast Neurosurgical Associates offers comprehensive services, including minimally invasive surgeries like microvascular decompression and Gamma Knife® radiosurgery.
Dr. Hooshang Pak, a board-certified neurosurgeon at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, specializes in treating vascular disorders of the brain, including trigeminal neuralgia.
FARINeurosurgery, located in Long Beach, provides various treatments for trigeminal neuralgia, focusing on both medical and surgical options tailored to individual patient needs.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the specific circumstances and health condition.
Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from this debilitating condition.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, consider reaching out to these local medical centers.
Remember, managing trigeminal neuralgia is a collaborative process between you and your healthcare team, aiming to find the most effective treatment to alleviate pain and improve daily functioning.
Important Keywords: Trigeminal Neuralgia, Facial Pain, Microvascular Decompression, Long Beach Neurosurgeon, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery