Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal or fifth cranial nerve, one of the most widely distributed nerves in the head. The condition causes extreme, sporadic, sudden burning or shock-like face pain. The pain can last from a few seconds to as long as 2 minutes per episode. However, the attacks can occur in quick succession.
Management and treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia may include: 1. Medication: Certain anticonvulsant medications, like carbamazepine, can help reduce nerve irritation. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline are used to treat pain. 2. Surgery: For severe and debilitating pain, different types of surgical procedures are available to relieve the pressure on the nerve or to damage it to prevent transmission of pain. 3. Microvascular decompression: This involves relocating or removing blood vessels that are in contact with the trigeminal root. 4. Gamma Knife radiosurgery: Uses radiation to target the root of the trigeminal nerve. 5. Other procedures involve injecting chemicals like glycerol, or damaging the nerve fibres through radio frequency thermal lesioning. 6. Non-invasive therapies: Biofeedback, visualization, controlled breathing, acupuncture and nutritional therapy are a few other ways to manage the condition. Personally, I found that treating the dental and jaw asymmetries resolves the pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia
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