Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a neurological condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. It is characterized by severe, stabbing, electric shock-like pain that usually affects one side of the face. The pain can be triggered by simple activities like eating, drinking, talking, or even brushing the teeth, and it typically lasts for several seconds to a few minutes.
The exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not known, but it is believed to be caused by the compression or irritation of the trigeminal nerve, often by a blood vessel. In some cases, it can also be caused by other underlying conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or a tumor.
Facial pain is a broader term that refers to any type of pain in the face, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, infection, inflammation, dental problems, or nerve damage. The pain may be dull, aching, throbbing, or sharp, and can affect one or both sides of the face. Depending on the cause, the pain may be temporary or chronic and may require medical attention. Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the many causes of facial pain.
Allopathic management trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a condition characterized by severe facial pain, typically on one side of the face. The pain can be triggered by various activities such as eating, talking, or touching the face. Allopathic management of TN involves a combination of medications and procedures to alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
Medications:
The first line of treatment for TN is usually medication. Anticonvulsant medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), and gabapentin (Neurontin) are often prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of TN pain. In some cases, muscle relaxants or opioids may be prescribed to manage the pain.
Procedures:
If medications are ineffective, or if the side effects are intolerable, several procedures can be performed to manage TN.
- Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery: This procedure involves moving or cushioning the blood vessels that are compressing the trigeminal nerve, which is often the cause of TN.
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: A focused beam of radiation is directed at the trigeminal nerve to damage it, which can alleviate pain.
- Balloon compression: In this procedure, a small balloon is inflated near the trigeminal nerve to damage it, which can reduce pain.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery: This procedure uses a high dose of radiation to damage the trigeminal nerve and relieve pain.
- Glycerol injection: A small amount of glycerol is injected into the trigeminal nerve to damage it and alleviate pain.
Lifestyle modifications:
Certain lifestyle changes can also help alleviate TN pain. These include avoiding triggers such as chewing, talking, or brushing teeth on the affected side, maintaining good oral hygiene, and practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case of TN.
Acupoints for trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe facial pain that occurs in brief, sharp episodes. Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that may be used to help manage the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. Here are acupuncture points that may be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, along with some details about each point:
ST2 (Sibai): This point is located on the cheek, just below the lower edge of the eye socket. It is used to relieve facial pain and improve facial muscle tone.
ST3 (Juliao): Located on the lower border of the cheekbone, below the outer corner of the eye, this point is used to treat facial paralysis, facial pain, and eye disorders.
ST4 (Dicang): This point is located on the lower border of the cheekbone, in line with the pupil of the eye. It is used to treat facial paralysis, facial pain, and eye disorders.
ST6 (Jiache): This point is located at the corner of the jaw, in front of the earlobe. It is used to relieve jaw pain, facial paralysis, and facial spasms.
ST7 (Xiaguan): This point is located in front of the ear, in the depression that is formed when the mouth is opened. It is used to treat jaw pain, facial paralysis, and facial spasms.
GB14 (Yangbai): This point is located above the eyebrow, in the hollow at the outer corner of the eye socket. It is used to treat eye disorders, facial paralysis, and headache.
GB20 (Fengchi): This point is located at the base of the skull, in the hollows between the two vertical neck muscles. It is used to treat headache, neck pain, and facial paralysis.
GV20 (Baihui): Located on the top of the head, midway between the ears, this point is used to treat headache, dizziness, and facial paralysis.
GV24.5 (Yintang): Located between the eyebrows, this point is used to treat headache, eye disorders, and facial pain.
LI4 (Hegu): This point is located on the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. It is used to treat headache, facial pain, and toothache.
LI11 (Quchi): This point is located on the outer elbow, at the end of the crease when the arm is bent. It is used to treat headache, neck pain, and facial paralysis.
LI20 (Yingxiang): This point is located on the side of the nostril, at the level of the lower border of the nostril. It is used to treat facial pain, sinusitis, and nasal congestion.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao): This point is located on the inside of the lower leg, above the ankle. It is used to treat facial paralysis, facial pain, and menstrual disorders.
SP10 (Xuehai): This point is located on the inner thigh, above the knee. It is used to treat menstrual disorders, abdominal pain, and facial pain.
PC6 (Neiguan): This point is located on the inner arm, three finger-widths above the wrist crease. It is used to treat nausea, chest pain, and facial pain.
PC7 (Daling): This point is located on the inner wrist, in the depression between the two tendons. It is used to treat chest pain, palpitations, and facial pain.
CV17 (Danzhong): This point is located in the center of the chest.
Based on homeopathic principles and historical use, some possible homeopathic remedies for trigeminal neuralgia are:
Belladonna: for sudden, intense, and shooting pain that comes on suddenly and is worse on the right side of the face.
Spigelia: for sharp, stabbing pain that is worse on the left side of the face.
Magnesia phosphorica: for shooting, spasmodic pain that is relieved by warmth.
Hypericum: for shooting pain that feels like an electric shock and is worse at night.
Arsenicum album: for burning pain that is relieved by warmth and worsened by cold.
Mezereum: for pain that feels like a burning or tingling sensation, and is worse at night.
Rhus toxicodendron: for pain that is better with movement and worse with rest.
Chamomilla: for pain that is worse with heat and relieved by cold.
Ignatia: for pain that is brought on by emotional stress or grief.
Nux vomica: for pain that is worsened by cold weather, and aggravated by stress or anger.
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