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Living with Trigeminal Neuralgia
Manage Your Symptoms with Help from Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) can cause intense facial pain lasting for up to two hours at a time. If you currently live with this condition, you already know that small things such as chewing or speaking can trigger an episode. The condition arises when a blood vessel pinches against the trigeminal nerve. Fortunately, there are several options— surgical and nonsurgical — for treatment.
This blog post addresses the types of trigeminal neuralgia, basic information about the trigeminal nerves, and potential treatment options at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic.
Types of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia may cause debilitating facial pain that develops quickly and without warning. After you notice the first signs of this condition, the symptoms may intensify over time. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible and to understand all your options.
Let’s start with the two main types of TN:
- Typical TN (Type 1) comes with sporadic periods of facial pain. Each wave of pain varies in length from a few seconds to a few minutes. This can occur for a few hours with pain-free periods in between.
- Atypical (Type 2) TN is a more acute form of trigeminal neuralgia. It’s characterized by stabbing pain or an aching sensation that continues without relief.
Type 1 may have more intense pain, but type 2 becomes more disruptive if the symptoms don’t abate.
Understanding Trigeminal Nerves
The trigeminal nerve system has three branches that run through your facial region:
- The ophthalmic branch controls feeling in the eyes, forehead, and upper eyelid.
- The maxillary branch governs the mid-facial region such as the lower eyelids, upper gums, nostrils and cheeks.
- The mandibular branch handles sensation in the jaw, lower lip, and lower gums.
Anytime a blood vessel impinges on any part of this extensive nervous system, it can cause discomfort, including trigeminal neuralgia.
Treatment Options Available at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic
When you meet with Dr. Lewis regarding your surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, he will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatments you have tried in the past. This gives him a more complete picture of your specific case.
There are several ways to provide relief through holistic and nonsurgical treatment methodologies. If symptoms persist after therapeutic treatment, we may recommend surgical solutions such as the following:
- Microvascular Decompression, which removes blood vessels pinching the nerve and causing TN.
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, which delivers radiation to the part of the trigeminal nerve system causing your pain.
Dr. Lewis has the necessary skills and training to diagnose and treat trigeminal neuralgia and other conditions impacting your nervous system and spine.
Are you ready to receive the right treatment for your trigeminal neuralgia? Contact us at (601) 366-1011 for a free consultation or schedule an appointment online. We’ll find a solution that works for you!
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