Radical treatment method for trigeminal neuralgia

Written by Guo Zhi Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 11, 2024
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The fundamental cause of trigeminal neuralgia lies in the compression of the trigeminal nerve root by aberrant blood vessels around the area where it exits the brain stem. This compression leads to demyelination of the trigeminal nerve and causes a short circuit in the trigeminal nerve conduction pathway, resulting in trigeminal neuralgia. Currently, the only definitive cure for trigeminal neuralgia is microvascular decompression surgery. This surgery addresses the cause of trigeminal neuralgia by opening the skull, locating the trigeminal nerve and the compressing vessel, and placing a cushion between the nerve and the vessel to achieve a cure. This type of surgery is characterized by minimal trauma, preservation of nerve function, rapid recovery, and low complication rates, making it the best treatment for trigeminal neuralgia that can achieve a definitive cure.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Does trigeminal neuralgia cause dizziness?

For patients with trigeminal neuralgia, they generally do not experience dizziness. Trigeminal neuralgia is mostly due to the presence of a significant culpable vessel around the trigeminal nerve, which continuously compresses the nerve, leading to abnormal discharges of the trigeminal nerve. This is manifested as severe headache pain in the area distributed by the roots of the trigeminal nerve, most often characterized by sharp, stabbing pain, resembling a knife cut or tearing, which is often unbearable for patients. As the condition progressively worsens, the frequency and occurrences of trigeminal neuralgia attacks also gradually increase, often causing extreme pain for the patients.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Does trigeminal neuralgia cause facial swelling?

For patients with trigeminal neuralgia, when they frequently experience bouts of pain, most do not have significant facial swelling. The pain typically occurs distinctly in the areas distributed by the trigeminal nerve roots, often starting and stopping suddenly, and each episode may last from a few seconds to several minutes. Due to repeated pain, facial muscle atrophy may occur, but generally, there is no swelling of the face. For treating trigeminal neuralgia, surgery is commonly used. Microvascular decompression surgery is often recommended to help improve symptoms and can even achieve a clinical cure.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms

Regarding the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, there is a very typical symptom, which is the issue of trigger points. A trigger point is a specific spot on the face, which varies for each person. Once this spot is touched, it immediately triggers the pain of trigeminal neuralgia. The nature of trigeminal neuralgia pain is often like cutting or stabbing pain, and the duration varies. If the condition is mild, the initial attack may only last a few seconds, but if the condition gradually worsens without significant improvement, the pain can even last for several minutes. This pain significantly impacts patients, sometimes triggering pain during activities such as brushing teeth, rinsing the mouth, or chewing hard food. Early treatment is essential to mitigate this pain.

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Written by Guo Zhi Fei
Neurosurgery
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Radical treatment method for trigeminal neuralgia

The fundamental cause of trigeminal neuralgia lies in the compression of the trigeminal nerve root by aberrant blood vessels around the area where it exits the brain stem. This compression leads to demyelination of the trigeminal nerve and causes a short circuit in the trigeminal nerve conduction pathway, resulting in trigeminal neuralgia. Currently, the only definitive cure for trigeminal neuralgia is microvascular decompression surgery. This surgery addresses the cause of trigeminal neuralgia by opening the skull, locating the trigeminal nerve and the compressing vessel, and placing a cushion between the nerve and the vessel to achieve a cure. This type of surgery is characterized by minimal trauma, preservation of nerve function, rapid recovery, and low complication rates, making it the best treatment for trigeminal neuralgia that can achieve a definitive cure.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
45sec home-news-image

Trigeminal neuralgia prodrome

Trigeminal neuralgia does not have very obvious precursors. This is because trigeminal neuralgia often occurs suddenly, especially with the concept of trigger points. That is to say, once the trigger point is activated, it immediately induces pain without any warning signs. Trigger points vary from person to person, usually located primarily on the cheek. Patients who frequently suffer from trigeminal neuralgia often know these areas. Typically, the pain occurs during activities like brushing teeth with cold water or chewing hard foods such as peanuts or walnuts, triggering severe pain instantly. Thus, in the case of trigeminal neuralgia, there are no precursors, only immediate triggers and immediate pain.