Trigeminal neuralgia often affects people over 50, especially women. Probability is blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve, one of the largest nerves in the head. Tumors and multiple sclerosis can also cause trigeminal neuralgia, but in some cases it is unknown.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Common symptoms include:
– Extreme stabbing, lancination or electrical pain, affecting one side of the face, such as the area around the eye, cheek and lower portion of the face; pain lasts a few seconds or minutes, the pain come and goes, also will get worse over time.
– Pain triggered by touch, sounds or everyday activities, such as brushing your teeth, chewing, drinking and eating.
– Tingling, a numb sensation or constant aching pain before a new episode begins.
– Avoidance of everyday activities because fear of triggering the pain.
Trigeminal neuralgia can only be diagnosed with an experienced physician about the symptoms. There are no blood tests or images that can make the diagnosis, therefore making the correct diagnosis can be difficult. As a matter of fact, diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is most often made by dentists, neurologists, internists and neurosurgeons.
Treatment
When it comes to treating trigeminal neuralgia, Gamma Knife is the least invasive and least likely of all surgical treatments to cause complications. Recent studies showed 85 to 90 percent of patients had excellent or good pain relief after Gamma Knife. Our team can help determine if the treatment is the right for you. If surgery is not recommended, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants or tricyclic antidepressants may be prescribed to relieve the pain and lessen number of attacks.
How do I know if Gamma Knife Treatment is right for me?
Complete the contact form or call Gamma Knife Centre Indonesia (+62-21-5460055 extension 2421/2422, +6281295100080) to set up consultation and receive more information.
