Trigeminal Neuralgia

Alternate Names : Tic Douloureux

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment for this condition usually involves antiseizure medications. These are thought to work by stabilizing the nerve. Carbamazepine is usually tried first. If this medication does not work or it causes severe side effects, other medications can be tried. These include phenytoin, baclofen, clonazepam, and valproic acid. If medication fails to control the pain, surgery may be needed.

In the rare case of a known cause, treatment of the cause may stop the nerve pain. For example, surgery may be used to remove a tumor or abnormal blood vessels.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects of the medications may include nausea, loss of sleep, and headaches. Surgery carries a risk of infection, bleeding, allergic reaction to anesthesia, and numbness in the face.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Medication usually makes the pain go away. If surgery is needed, it also usually stops the pain. In the rare case of a known cause, other monitoring or treatment may be needed..

How is the condition monitored?

The person can monitor the pain at home, and report any new or wosening symptoms to the healthcare provider. The medications used often need monitoring. If a medication cannot control the pain, the dose may be changed. If pain cannot be controlled with medications, surgery may be needed. In the rare case of a known cause, other monitoring may be needed. For example, those with cancer need close monitoring of the cancer.