Trigeminal nerve inflammation, also known as trigeminal neuralgia, is a painful condition that affects the nerves responsible for facial sensation. This condition can cause severe pain and is often a source of great discomfort for those affected.
Definition of the Trigeminal Nerve:
The Trigeminal Nerve is one of the main nerves in the face and is divided into three main branches:
Ophthalmic branch: Controls sensation of the upper eyelids and forehead.
Maxillary branch: Affects the cheeks, nose, upper lip, and upper gums.
Mandibular branch: Controls the jaws, lower lip, lower gums, and chewing muscles.
Causes of trigeminal neuralgia:
Trigger nerve inflammation can occur as a result of several factors:
– Blood vessel pressure: The most common cause is blood vessels pressing on the nerve.
– Diseases such as multiple sclerosis: May lead to deterioration of the nerve’s protective sheath.
– Tumors: Which put pressure on the nerve.
– Injuries: Such as head accidents or facial surgery.
– Aging: Which increases the risk of developing the condition.
Trigeminal nerve inflammation symptoms:
Common symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include:
– Sudden, sharp pain: Like electric shocks or stabbing pain.
– Recurring pain:: Occurs in sudden, short attacks.
– Sensitivity to touch: The pain can get worse when touching the face, eating, talking, or even smiling.
– Pain focus:: Usually affects one side of the face.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia depends on:
– The patient’s medical history and description of symptoms.
– Physical examination to determine the areas affected by the pain.
– Medical imaging such as MRI to check blood vessels.
Radiofrequency to treat trigeminal neuralgia:
Radiofrequency is the latest method used to treat trigeminal neuralgia effectively and safely. This treatment involves using radio waves to precisely stimulate the affected nerve, reducing its ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.
Advantages of Radiofrequency Therapy:
– Provides significant pain relief for a long time.
– Performed under local anesthesia, making it less uncomfortable for patients.
– Does not require surgical opening or a long recovery period.
– Patients can return home and resume their normal activities shortly after treatment.
How Radiofrequency Therapy is Performed:
Local anesthesia: The area is numbed to reduce pain during the procedure.
Radioguidance: The doctor uses interventional radiology to precisely guide the needle to the affected nerve.
Radiofrequency application: Radio waves are directed to the nerve, disrupting its ability to send pain signals.
Clinical follow-up: After treatment, patients are followed up to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and ensure that there are no complications.
Radiofrequency therapy represents an advanced step in the field of treating pain associated with the trigeminal nerve, and provides an effective and safe solution away from traditional surgical interventions. For more details, contact us.