What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. It causes sudden, severe facial pain, often described as sharp, electric-shock-like, or burning sensations. The pain typically occurs on one side of the face, impacting areas like the cheeks, jaw, or lips, and can last from seconds to minutes. TN can significantly disrupt daily life, making routine tasks challenging and affecting emotional well-being.
Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
- Pain Characteristics: Intense, stabbing, or shock-like pain that comes in waves or episodes.
- Common Triggers: Everyday activities like brushing teeth, eating, talking, shaving, or a light breeze on the face.
- Affected Areas: Pain often affects the cheeks, jaw, gums, lips, or, less commonly, around the eyes or forehead.
- Frequency: Episodes may occur multiple times a day or week, with pain-free periods in between, though some experience constant aching.
- Impact: Fear of triggering pain may lead to avoiding activities like eating or socialising, causing isolation or emotional distress.
Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
TN is often linked to irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve. Possible causes include:
- Blood Vessel Compression: A blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve near the brainstem is a common cause, irritating the nerve and triggering pain.
- Nerve Damage: Injury to the nerve from trauma, dental procedures, or infections may contribute.
- Other Factors: Rarely, TN may be linked to conditions like multiple sclerosis, tumours, or cysts affecting the nerve.
- Unknown Causes: In some cases, the exact cause remains unclear, known as idiopathic TN.
Current Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
Several treatments are available to manage TN, each with benefits and limitations:
- Medications: Drugs like carbamazepine or gabapentin may reduce pain initially but can lose effectiveness or cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or nausea.
- Surgical Procedures: Options like microvascular decompression can offer long-term relief but carry risks, including facial numbness or hearing loss.
- Other Therapies: Non-surgical treatments, such as nerve blocks, may provide temporary relief, but results vary.
rTMS as an Investigational Treatment
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, investigational therapy for TN. It uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in pain processing, aiming to reduce pain frequency and intensity. At BrainAid Clinics, neuronavigated rTMS, guided by MRI scans, ensures precise targeting for improved safety and comfort.
What to Expect
- Before: Your doctor reviews your medical history and may use an MRI.
- During: A magnetic coil is placed against your scalp for a 25-minute session, with a mild tapping sensation.
- After: Resume normal activities immediately. Mild headaches or scalp discomfort are rare and temporary.
Safety and Effectiveness
rTMS is safe, with rare serious risks like seizures (<0.01%), typically in those with seizure history. Studies suggest it may relieve pain for some TN patients, but long-term benefits are under study. Discuss expectations with your doctor.
Is rTMS Right for You?
rTMS may suit you if:
Medications don’t control pain.
You prefer non-invasive treatments.
You have medication side effects.
Questions for Your Doctor
Is rTMS suitable for my TN?
What results might I expect?
How often will I need sessions?
Are preparations needed?
Next Steps
Talk to your doctor or contact BrainAid Clinics to learn more. We’re here to help.
Referrers can request a comprehensive scientific review of rTMS for trigeminal neuralgia by emailing info@brainaidclinics.com.
