How to treat trigeminal neuralgia

The main methods for treating trigeminal neuralgia include the following:

1. Medication: Antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, which is effective for more than 70% of patients, but attention should be paid to its side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and possible rashes. Other medications such as oxcarbazepine, phenytoin sodium, clonazepam may also be considered.

2. Minimally invasive treatment: For patients who do not respond to medication or cannot tolerate its side effects, minimally invasive surgical treatments may be considered. These include radiofrequency ablation, microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve, and balloon compression. These treatments relieve pain by damaging or reducing pressure on the trigeminal nerve through different approaches.

3. Surgical treatment: For some elderly patients or those who have failed previous surgical treatments, gamma knife therapy may be used. This involves directing high-energy radiation at the trigeminal nerve root to destroy the nerve and achieve pain relief.

4. Physical therapy: Physical treatments such as heat application, cold compresses, massage, and stretching can help relieve facial muscle tension and pain, although their effectiveness is relatively limited. These are suitable as adjunctive therapies.

5. Traditional Chinese medicine: Traditional treatments such as acupuncture and massage can also be used to relieve trigeminal neuralgia.

Patients with trigeminal neuralgia are advised to seek treatment at a reputable hospital and follow the guidance of qualified physicians. Medication should be taken under the supervision of a professional doctor. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended.