Trigeminal neuralgia is divided into several branches.

Written by Guo Zhi Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Trigeminal neuralgia is anatomically divided into three branches: the first branch is the ophthalmic branch, the second branch is the maxillary branch, and the third branch is the mandibular branch. The scope of pain can be used to roughly determine which branch is affected. Generally, pain located in the forehead area is caused by the first branch, the ophthalmic branch. Pain in the area from the tip of the nose to the lips is caused by the second branch, the maxillary branch. Pain from the lips to the angle of the jaw is caused by the third branch, the mandibular branch. Therefore, we can understand which branch is in pain by the distribution area and scope of the trigeminal neuralgia.

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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.

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Is cold compress effective for trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a type of intense recurring pain in the facial areas distributed by the trigeminal nerve. When an attack occurs, the pain is unbearable for the patient. Clinically, besides immediately taking medication or opting for surgical treatments after stabilization, applying a cold compress can also alleviate symptoms. Placing a cold towel on the painful facial areas can relieve spasms and pain, improve local swelling, raise the pain threshold, and subsequently reduce the sensation of pain.

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Is trigeminal neuralgia severe?

Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most common, stubborn, and excruciatingly painful diseases, known by patients as the "world's most severe pain." The intensity of the pain during an episode can surpass even that of childbirth. When the pain is severe, patients dare not speak, eat, or sleep, causing immense suffering in their lives. In extreme cases, the unbearable pain leads to suicidal thoughts. Therefore, trigeminal neuralgia is also referred to as the "non-lethal cancer," a serious neurological disorder.

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Is occipital neuralgia the same as trigeminal neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia are different; these are two distinct diseases with different onset times, affected areas, and pain characteristics. Occipital neuralgia generally occurs in the back of the head and is associated with cervical spondylosis, neck muscle tension, spasms, injury, trauma, and inflammation, typically triggering pain in the distribution area of the greater occipital nerve. Trigeminal neuralgia generally affects the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve, causing very intense pain, which may be like lightning or a burning sensation. It is typically triggered by washing the face, brushing teeth, or touching and can start and stop suddenly.

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Can trigeminal neuralgia be cured completely?

Trigeminal neuralgia manifests as stubborn, intractable pain, but that does not mean we are helpless against it. The treatment of trigeminal neuralgia mainly involves the following aspects. Medication can only relieve symptoms and is not a cure. Radiofrequency ablation can destroy the trigeminal ganglion, but there is also a high probability of recurrence. The principle of Gamma Knife is somewhat similar to radiofrequency ablation, and the possibility of recurrence is also relatively high. Currently, the most effective treatment for a complete cure is surgical treatment, with about 80%-90% of patients with trigeminal neuralgia achieving complete eradication through treatments such as microvascular decompression surgery.