Best Doctors for Trigeminal Neuralgia in Lucknow

Types/Stages of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia can be classified into different types based on the underlying causes and the nature of the pain. Here are the main types of trigeminal neuralgia:

1. Classical (Primary) Trigeminal Neuralgia: It is the most common form, typically caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel. This compression leads to damage to the nerve’s protective coating (myelin), resulting in severe, intermittent pain.

2. . Secondary (Symptomatic) Trigeminal Neuralgia: This is caused by an underlying condition that affects the trigeminal nerve such as multiple sclerosis, tumours, arteriovenous malformations, or other structural abnormalities.

3. Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia: It

   is characterised by a different pain pattern compared to classical trigeminal neuralgia. The pain is often less severe but more constant and can be described as burning, aching, or throbbing.

Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

The symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia can significantly disrupt daily life and include:

• Intense shooting or jabbing pain in the face

• Pain triggered by facial movements such as chewing or speaking

• Episodes of pain lasting from seconds to minutes

• Facial spasms

• Pain focused on specific areas of the face supplied by the trigeminal nerve

Tests to Diagnose Trigeminal Neuralgia

Diagnosing trigeminal neuralgia begins with a comprehensive clinical examination by specialists for chronic facial pain management, which includes:

• Neurological Examination: A series of tests to assess nerve function, such as evaluating reflexes, sensory perception, and motor functions of the face to determine any abnormalities in the trigeminal nerve.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An imaging test that helps visualize the trigeminal nerve and identify any abnormalities, such as blood vessel compression, multiple sclerosis lesions, or tumours that might be causing the pain.

• Reflex Testing: Evaluates the response of nerves to stimuli to determine if the trigeminal nerve is functioning properly and to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

• Blood Tests: Conducted to rule out other conditions, such as infections or systemic diseases, that might cause similar facial pain symptoms.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow

At Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, specialists for chronic facial pain offer a range of treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia. Their expert team has the best surgeons for trigeminal neuralgia who ensure optimal healthcare delivery that includes:

• Medication Therapy: Prescription of anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine to regulate nerve impulses and alleviate pain.

• Surgical Options: For individuals unresponsive to medication, surgical interventions such as microvascular decompression, gamma knife surgery, and percutaneous techniques targeting the Gasserian ganglion may be considered.

• Non-surgical Procedures: Options like balloon compression and radiofrequency thermal lesioning can also be explored based on the patient’s condition and preferences.