Diseases

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal or 5th brain nerve, which supplies (gives sensation) major part of brain and face.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a form pain associated with injury to nerves which is classically presented as sudden and extreme burning or shock-like facial pain lasting for a few seconds to few minutes per episode. 

These episoded can occur several times in quick succession.

My Similia homeopathy strongly recommends the addition of homeopathic medicines in your treatment protocol. The introduction of homeopathic treatment has changed lives of many people and it is documented. Homeopathic medicines for nerve damage are helpful in repair.

Trigeminal Nerve - an Overview

The trigeminal nerve is one of 12 pairs of nerves that are attached to the brain and it is the largest nerve supplying various parts of head and face.

It has three branches which carry sensations from head and face to the brain. The upper branch covers scalp, forehead, and vertex of head, middle branch covers the cheek, upper jaw and upper lip, upper teeth and gums, and side of the nose. The lower branch covers lower jaw, lower lip, and lower teeth and gums.

One or more branches can be affected at the same time. The site of pain depends upon which branch is affected. Very rarely both sides of the face are affected.
 

Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Pain) Symptoms

• The character of the pain is very typically explained as severe or extreme pain which starts suddenly, sudden burning or shock-like pain.
• Pain in trigeminal neuralgia may be termed as episodic (several times a day) each episode lasting for few seconds to minutes. In few cases, pain may last for few hours continuously.  In another few, the pain may not be episodic but constant burning, aching or stabbing pain with low intensity.
• The pain of trigeminal neuralgia can be triggered or aggravated by touch or vibrations during brushing, shaving, washing the face, eating, drinking, talking, applying makeup, or exposure to the draft of air. Pain is usually relieved by sleeping or taking rest.
• Pain in trigeminal neuralgia is progressive that is it worsens and the symptom-free period starts reducing. Medication to control pain starts becoming useless slowly rendering it necessary to increase the potency. Furthermore, multiple medicines need to be taken. This type of pain usually makes the person physically as well as mentally incapable of doing anything hence people start avoiding socializing.
• Trigeminal neuralgia is most common above the age of 50 years but it can occur at any age. Approximately 12 people per one lakh persons per year is the ratio of getting new cases of Trigeminal neuralgia (TN).
• Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is more common in women than in men.

Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Trigeminal neuralgia is caused due to injury to the trigeminal nerve causing damage to the protective covering of the nerve called as the myelin sheath. 
• It behaves as an electric wire without cover giving electric shock-like pains. Damage to trigeminal nerve may be caused due to compression of other vessels, injury during dental treatment, etc.  
• Emotional stress in the form of prolonged worry, depression, suppressed emotions can aggravate the condition.  The patient of trigeminal neuralgia needs good emotional support as this is the most painful condition known to mankind.
• Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) symptoms can also be seen patients suffering with a disease called multiple sclerosis which causes damage to myelin sheath of trigeminal nerve.

Diagnosing and Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) can be diagnosed on the basis of proper and detail case taking involving personal history and description of symptoms along with physical and neurological examinations.
• It is important to rule out other diseases that causes facial pain before making a diagnosis of TN. Other diseases which forms the differential diagnosis are post-herpetic neuralgia (facial  pain following an herpes infection), cluster headaches, and temporomandibular joint diseases. Forming a proper diagnosis is very important as there are variety of causes for facial pain and diagnosis helps in forming a treatment protocol.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to rule out a tumor or multiple sclerosis must me done. MRI may be useful to reveal the presence and severity of compression of the nerve by a blood vessel.
• Sometimes a diagnosis is made after giving short course of an antiseizure medication and observing positive response from the patient.

Homeopathy Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Homeopathic medicines work on immunity enhancing inner strength. 
• Homeopathic medicines for trigeminal neuralgia help in reducing the pain intensity, duration of episodes, and frequency of attacks. 
• It also helps in controlling and repairing the nerve damage. Homeopathic medicines for nerve damage are very effective.
• Homeopathic medicines are safe and without any side effects. These medicines can be taken along with conventional medicines without any harm.
• Freshly diagnosed cases can be treated with homeopathic medicines alone.
• In cases where conventional medicines are giving good control, homeopathic medicines can be introduced to reduce the episodes and slowly reducing or even stopping conventional medicines. This should be done with the help of current neuro physician.
• In cases where conventional medicines are poorly controlling trigeminal neuralgia and doses as well as medicines are to be increased frequently, the addition of homeopathic medicines can help to get better control of the disease.
• In purely surgical cases homeopathic medicines may not be of use.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Trigeminal neuralgia

1) Is there any test to determine trigeminal neuralgia?

No. TN is diagnosed with the help of medical history and symptoms. To rule out other diseases a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be done.

2) Does TN goes away on it’s own?

Unlikely. TN is an episodic disease where pain typically comes in cycles. The symptom free periods are called as remissions. Homeopathic medicines helps in long term remissions.

3) Is TN curable? What can one expect after being diagnosed with TN?

Patients diagnosed with TN must remember following points.

• TN is a chronic and difficult condition which requires long term management.
• TN can be effectively treated with medicines and kept under control.
• Conventional medicines are effective but with side effects. Addition of homeopathic medicines in treatment protocol helps in better control and reduce the side effects.
• Homeopathy has a definite role to play in all cases of TN. Talk to us for any further queries.
• Surgery is indicated in resistant and non responding patients.

4) I am on conventional treatment for TN. Can I still take homeopathic medicines.

Yes. Homeopathic medicines will ensure better control of TN. It will also help in reducing conventional medicines in long run.