Misdiagnoses: Signs You Might Have Trigeminal Neuralgia

Misdiagnoses: Signs You Might Have Trigeminal Neuralgia

Said to be one of the most excruciating human conditions known, Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a painful and often debilitating facial nerve disorder that causes sudden shock-like or burning facial pains. Unfortunately, TN it is often misdiagnosed as a dental problem since the disorder often causes sharp jaw pain. Read below about the two different types of TN and the symptoms that characterize both:

• Typical TN – Sudden, stabbing, shock-like pain in a constant location on the face. Typical TN patients can often produce an attack by touching a type of “trigger point” on the face or by performing specific activities like chewing, talking or brushing their teeth.
• Atypical TN “Ò Persistent dull ache or burning sensation in one part of the face. Those who suffer from atypical TN typically do not have any specific “trigger” but the pain can grow worse over time.

If you think you may have trigeminal neuralgia, speak with your doctor about your symptoms and how you can manage the pain.

Our center treats trigeminal neuralgia with stereotactic radiosurgery using CyberKnife® technology.

During CyberKnife treatment, high-dose radiation beams are delivered to a very precise segment of the trigeminal nerve to interrupt pain-causing fibers. TN does not have a cure, but pain can be reduced or eliminated in 85 to 90 percent of patients who are treated with stereotactic radiosurgery with little to no side effects, according to clinical studies.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.