Trigeminal Neuralgia

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

This is an intensely painful condition affecting the trigeminal nerve that carries sensation from the face to the brain. Everyday actions like chewing, talking, brushing teeth can often bring on episodes of severe stabbing, shooting pains across the face that feels like an electric shock. Sounds painful? Trigeminal neuralgia is amongst one of the most painful conditions known to exist.

How can Trigeminal Neuralgia be treated?

Doctors can usually treat trigeminal neuralgia very successfully with medications. These medications help to reduce or block the signals sent from the nerve to the brain and can be very effective. However, in some patients, the medications become much less effective over time and the intensity of the pain can gradually become more severe.

How can Acupuncture help?

Acupuncture can help sufferers of trigeminal neuralgia by reducing the severity of the pain as well as the frequency of episodes. Patients who are suffering severe and frequent attacks may require twice-weekly treatments initially in order to settle the symptoms down. Treatments are usually then reduced down to once a week.

How does it work?

There is considerable evidence to support that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release opioids, naturally occurring brain chemicals that help to relieve pain. Stimulation of acupuncture points is also documented to help increase the levels of other painkiling chemicals called endorphins in the body. In Chinese Medicine, pain is commonly caused by a blockage in the circulation of energy known as Qi. Acupuncture treatments are therefore usually aimed at restoring the circulation in areas of pain.

Other factors can also be involved such as Dampness or Heat. A patient with Dampness would present with ‘heavy’ symptoms such as aching or a heavy dragging pain, tiredness and a ‘muzzy’ head. Heat symptoms include a hot, burning type of pain, the skin can also feel hot to touch and the patient can feel restless, irritable and suffer with insomnia. By asking about the characteristic of the pain and other symptoms, Lily can individualise the acupuncture for each patient to ensure that the most effective treatment can be administered.

Interested in knowing more?

If you want to find out more about acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia, please feel free to drop Lily a call or email today!