How is trigeminal neuralgia treated?

Written by Li Pei

Neurosurgery

Updated on April 26, 2025

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After the onset of trigeminal neuralgia, medication is the first choice of treatment. If the effect of medication is poor, surgical treatment can be considered. There are two methods of surgical treatment. One is radiofrequency treatment, which physically destroys the trigeminal nerve but often relapses after surgery.

The other method is microvascular decompression surgery of the trigeminal nerve under a microscope. This surgery requires craniotomy under general anesthesia. Under the microscope, the trigeminal nerve and the blood vessel pressing on it are identified, and then a special material is used to separate the two, so the blood vessel cannot irritate the trigeminal nerve, and thus, the pain is alleviated.

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Written by Guo Zhi Fei

Neurosurgery

52sec

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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.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen

Neurosurgery

52sec

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Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is very common in clinical practice and its pain is relatively severe. Most cases exhibit a cutting-like or electric shock-like pain, and sometimes burning pain can also occur. The pain process is often very painful, but once the nature of the pain disappears, there are basically no obvious clinical symptoms during the intermission period. Therefore, in practical work and learning, it is essential to avoid triggering trigeminal neuralgia, such as by reducing exposure to cold and hunger, and minimizing chewing hard foods, all of which can reduce the occurrence of trigeminal neuralgia. However, the most important point is that if trigeminal neuralgia persists, it is crucial to visit a hospital for appropriate diagnosis and treatment in order to achieve a relatively good therapeutic effect and reduce the patient's suffering.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen

Neurosurgery

45sec

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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.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

50sec

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Trigeminal neuralgia physiotherapy methods

For patients with trigeminal neuralgia, in addition to pharmacological treatment, some physical therapies can also be combined, such as massage, acupressure, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and electrotherapy. These physical therapies can help reduce the incidence of trigeminal neuralgia and improve symptoms. It is recommended to undergo physical therapy under the guidance of a professional physician, which can play a supporting role. Of course, physical therapy cannot replace surgical treatment. If the goal is complete treatment, it is advised to undergo microvascular decompression surgery, which plays a crucial role in alleviating pain and stabilizing the condition. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Jiang Fang Shuai

Neurosurgery

58sec

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Is trigeminal neuralgia dangerous?

Trigeminal neuralgia manifests in the regions of the face covered by the distributions of the trigeminal nerve, featuring recurrent, severe pain. The onset of the disorder is sudden and it resolves quickly as well. The pain is usually described as cutting, electric shock-like, burning, or tearing; it is a stubborn, difficult-to-treat pain, colloquially known as the "king of pain" and "the foremost pain in the world," which reflects the extreme level of pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is generally not fatal, but it inflicts significant harm on the human body, making sufferers feel as if death would be preferable. It causes substantial psychological and physical obstacles and can even trigger the onset of some cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, potentially leading to sudden death. Thus, trigeminal neuralgia is considered a rather dangerous disease.