What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
A chronic pain condition that affects the Trigeminal nerve—which communicates sensation between your face and brain.
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) can cause severe facial pain at the slightest stimulation, even something as gentle as brushing your teeth or applying makeup. This pain can appear in short, relatively mild bursts, or if left untreated, can result in long, frequent eruptions of extreme pain.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms
- Episodic bouts of shooting or jabbing face pain
- Excruciating pain caused by touching the face, speaking, chewing, or even brushing your teeth
- Aching or burning feelings that precede the pain
- Pain specific to areas linked to the trigeminal nerve, including the jaw, cheeks, gums, teeth, lips, or occasionally the eyes or forehead
Trigeminal Neuralgia tends to appear in people over 50, and it is slightly more common in women than men. Dr. Morrison is consistently recognized as one of the best neurosurgeons in Florida for Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment.
Ways to Avoid Triggering TN
Trigeminal Neuralgia is caused by a disruption in the nerve function, often due to contact with a normal blood vessel and the trigeminal nerve at the brain’s connection point. It can also be related to other issues such as multiple sclerosis or brain abnormalities.
Until your condition is treated, it is best to minimize common triggers like shaving, touching your face, putting on makeup. We recognize this is very challenging in normal daily life, and thus recommend scheduling an e-consult regarding your Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment options here.
Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Once you’ve been diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia, there are a number of treatments available that have high rates of success.
Medication is usually the first treatment and may include anticonvulsants, antispasmodics, or Botox injections — all of which act by blocking pain signals to the brain.
If medication is unsuccessful, there are two common neurosurgical treatments.
Microvascular decompression helps by moving or removing the contacting blood vessels. This solves the issue in almost all cases. Dr. Morrison may also recommend brain stereotactic radiosurgery, which involves directing a focused dose of radiation at the root of the nerve.
In the event that your Trigeminal Neuralgia is caused by an underlying condition, these solutions usually must be combined with its treatment.
Ready for relief from this painful condition? Schedule an e-consult with Dr. Morrison to discuss your treatment options today.
TN Prognosis
Trigeminal Neuralgia can be a painful and chronic condition to manage, especially for women older than 50 years old.
However, with proper treatment, most patients can expect a vast reduction in the frequency and severity of pain caused by TN.
I was sent to Dr. Morrison as a last option. I have Trigeminal Neuralgia, and battling for years. Been on all kinds of medications, had a previous microvascular decompression and numerous steroid injections. Before seeing Dr. Morrison I was in unbearable pain for about 2 and half months straight. He saw me and we discussed my previous surgery and treatments and we decided on a repeat MVD. The moment I woke from surgery, I knew HE DID IT! HE FIXED ME!!!
I had surgery for trigeminal neuralgia on March 20th, 2024. Literally gave me my life back. I could not eat, smile, could barely speak, in unimaginable pain, just really a shell of a man. Today I am 95% pain free, playing sports again, able to eat and smile. Seriously saved my life. Dr. Morrison and staff are real life heros. Thank you, thank you, thank you. So blessed that my wife found out about you and we made the trip down to see you all. Game changer for sure.
