Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, is a condition that produces intense, sporadic facial pain along one or more of the three branches of the nerve. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for sending impulses of touch, pain, pressure, and temperature to the brain from the face, jaw, gums, forehead, and around the eyes. The pain is often triggered by movement of the facial muscles or touching a trigger point on the face or inside the mouth. There are a vast number of aches and pains that are often described as neuralgic. Many of these occur as facial pain.
The exact cause of TN is not known. Certain factors such as physical nerve damage and stress can trigger pain. In almost all cases, excessive activity from a damaged nerve causes pain. Usually no treatable cause is found, and allopathic care generally consists of symptomatic treatment with drugs. Medications can control the pain, but not without the significant risk of side effects ranging from dizziness and nausea to serious heart, liver, kidney, and blood complications. Acupuncture treatment and Chinese herbal medicine can reduce the facial pain of neuralgia without side effects.
Because acupuncture has no side effects, it is recommended that a patient try traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) before conventional medical treatments. Acupuncture for TN is most effective when applied promptly after the appearance of the syndrome. Depending on where the pain is localized, your acupuncture physician will be able to prescribe an appropriate treatment protocol. Points for treatment are selected appropriate to the affected division of the trigeminal nerve. Pain is treated using points on the face, and also points on the arms and legs. These lie on meridians, or energy pathways, which connect with the face. Points are also added to treat the underlying energetic imbalances that have given rise to the condition.
For facial neuralgia, acupuncture can provide long-term pain relief. After a series of acupuncture treatments, episodes of facial pain often become much less frequent. Chinese herbs may be suggested to tonify the body while addressing the facial pain. Therapy aims to address both the pain and the underlying cause, which varies from person to person. After six treatments, pain intensity will begin to reduce. As soon as symptoms appear, it is advised to call for an appointment. Contact Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
