There are approximately 42,000 new Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) cases per year. Trigeminal Neuralgia more commonly affects women than men. It usually begins in people over 50 years old, but can occur at any age. The team at EHC Buffalo approaches Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) by conducting a careful screening interview with a qualified practitioner. The screening will determine the correct protocol for patient care. This is an important step in making sure that the patient does not have an acute problem requiring urgent medical attention.
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is an extremely painful neurological disorder that affects the side of the face. It is one of the most painful conditions known and can result in depression or even suicide. There are two main types of Trigeminal Neuralgia: 1-Typical and 2-Atypical. The typical form results in episodes of severe, sudden, shock-like pain on one side or both sides of the face that lasts for seconds to several minutes. These episodes can occur in groups lasting as long as several hours. The atypical form results in a constant burning pain that is less severe. Episodes in either type may be triggered by any stimulation to the face, such as touch, water, temperature change, sound, chewing, talking, or any other stress. Both forms may occur in the same person. The exact cause is unclear but believed to be a viral infection involving the loss of myelin sheath around the Trigeminal Nerve.
Patients often experience pain relief during the first week and significant relief before the end of the CuraLase protocol.
Symptoms
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Severe, shooting, stabbing, burning and/or stinging pain – may feel like an electric shock.
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Spontaneous attacks of pain.
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Pain lasting from a few seconds to several minutes.
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Several attacks lasting days, weeks, months or longer.
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Constant aching, burning feeling.
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Pain in the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, eyes, scalp and forehead.
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Pain in one, two or three branches on one side or both sides of the face.
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Attacks that become more frequent and intense over time.