About once a month, a patient will come into Craniofacial Pain Center Of Colorado who has been incorrectly diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia. However, true cases of trigeminal neuralgia are fairly rare. Other facial pain issues are much more prevalent and they are more easily treated with conservative, non-surgical methods. Trigeminal neuralgia has the following symptoms:
- Intense, sharp, electric-type pain
- Episodes of pain that last only a minute or two
- In between episodes, there is no pain
- A trigger spot or zone is known to the patient. It is usually near the nose or mouth.
If you do not have all of the above symptoms, further diagnosis may be required.
Trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries signals from your face to your brain, causing chronic pain. Those with trigeminal neuralgia experience a jolt of excruciating pain from even a mild stimulation of the face.
Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia in Arvada, Colorado, usually begins with medication, and some people do not need further treatment. However, some individuals stop responding to medication over time. Other people experience side effects. In these cases, we can provide injections or surgery to manage trigeminal neuralgia.
Feel free to contact our office today to learn more and to schedule an appointment with our doctor, Dr. Bieneman.
