Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder because of irritation to the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain.

The pain attacks can be quite intense, sudden, and debilitating; even mundane daily activities, such as eating or talking, may be difficult.

One question many people ask is whether this painful condition is curable. Let’s discuss that in simple language and understand the available treatment options.

Medications for Pain Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia

The mainstay of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is medication. Physicians prescribe anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine or gabapentin to decrease pain in the nerves.

These medications calm down the hyperactive nerves causing the pain. Even though medications alleviate symptoms for many patients, they may gradually lose their effectiveness or cause side effects; this could make the patients seek other kinds of treatment.

Surgical Options for Long-Term Relief

Surgery could be recommended by doctors in cases when pain cannot be controlled by medications or when such medications result in undesirable side effects.

Surgical options will depend on both the condition and general health of the patient. One of the common surgical options includes microvascular decompression, aimed at relieving pressure from the trigeminal nerve by relocating blood vessels off it.

Other procedures, like radiosurgery and rhizotomy, involve targeting the nerve to reduce the sensation of pain. Surgery can provide long-term relief, but there is still a possibility of recurrence.

Lifestyle Changes and Pain Management Techniques

Apart from the medical treatments, some modifications in lifestyle will help manage trigeminal neuralgia. Patients should try to avoid triggers that can result in an episode of pain such as chewing gum, consuming food that is extremely hot or cold, or sudden temperature changes. Stress-releasing techniques such as meditation and other relaxation exercises may also lower the frequency and intensity of these painful episodes.

Conclusion

While trigeminal neuralgia cannot be regarded as completely curable, it is most definitely manageable with the right mix of treatments. Drugs, surgical procedures, lifestyle changes, and newer forms of therapies together could help a patient in conducting his or her life most comfortably with lesser episodes of pain. Early diagnosis and proper medical advice are the ways to go about the management of this ailment effectively.

Dr. Naresh Kumar Damesha
Consulting Neurosurgeon