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Li Pei
Neurosurgery
About me
Li Pei, Deputy Chief Physician, Department of Neurosurgery, Third People's Hospital of Datong City.
Proficient in diseases
Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological surgical diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage, pituitary tumors, and hydrocephalus.
Voices
What should I do if trigeminal neuralgia recurs?
After the recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia, oral medication can be considered as the initial treatment. If the effect of the medication is not clear, or the side effects are intolerable, then balloon compression or radiofrequency treatment can be considered. These two methods can be used repeatedly, but they also have a certain recurrence rate. If neither medication nor radiofrequency treatment achieves satisfactory results, then surgical treatment can be considered. Microvascular decompression surgery of the trigeminal nerve can be performed under a microscope, where the trigeminal nerve and the blood vessel compressing it are separated, which can fundamentally resolve trigeminal neuralgia. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)
Does trigeminal neuralgia require craniotomy?
If the severity of trigeminal neuralgia is mild, oral medication can be chosen as the first treatment option. If the effects of the medication are not significant, radiofrequency treatment for the trigeminal nerve or balloon compression therapy can be considered, although these two methods do have a certain recurrence rate. If the effects of medications and treatments like radiofrequency are not significant, microvascular decompression surgery for the trigeminal nerve can be considered. This surgery requires general anesthesia and craniotomy, and under a microscope, the trigeminal nerve and the blood vessels compressing it are separated using a special material, which can relieve the pain of trigeminal neuralgia.
How to test for pheochromocytoma?
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor that occurs in the adrenal gland. The tumor secretes a large amount of catecholamines, causing an increase in blood pressure. Diagnostic tests for pheochromocytoma can include a CT scan and MRI of the adrenal glands to confirm the presence of any adrenal mass. Additionally, ultrasound can also be used as an auxiliary test to help confirm the diagnosis. It is also advisable to check the levels of catecholamines in the blood and urine to further confirm the presence of an adrenal pheochromocytoma.
What are the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?
The clinical symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia are mainly characterized by severe, paroxysmal pain in the area of the face distributed by the trigeminal nerve, typically affecting one side. The pain can affect one, two, or all three branches of the trigeminal nerve. The pain is episodic, resembling cutting, electric shocks, and is sudden in onset and cessation, making it unbearable for the patient. In some patients, actions such as eating, washing the face, or brushing teeth can trigger the pain. Most patients have trigger points, commonly located near the nostrils, corners of the mouth, or upper lip.