Best Doctors for Trigeminal Neuralgia in Mysore

Types/Stages of Trigeminal Neuralgia

While trigeminal neuralgia does not have specific types or stages, its progression is often categorized based on the severity and frequency of pain episodes:

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

Dealing with trigeminal neuralgia can be challenging due to a range of symptoms, including:

• Intense shooting or jabbing pain in the face.

• Pain triggered by facial movements such as chewing or speaking.

• Episodes of facial spasms and pain lasting from seconds to minutes.

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

Tests to Diagnose Trigeminal Neuralgia

At Apollo Hospitals in Mysore, specialists for chronic facial pain employ various tests to diagnose trigeminal neuralgia. These include:

• Clinical Examination: Assessing patient history and symptoms.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To check for any abnormalities in the trigeminal nerve.

• Electromyogram (EMG): To evaluate and record electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles.

• Resonance Imaging (MRI): Employed to rule out other conditions such as tumours or multiple sclerosis.

• Trigeminal Reflex Testing: To confirm whether the patient’s pain stems from irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia at Apollo Hospitals Mysore

At Apollo Hospitals Mysore, the best doctors for trigeminal neuralgia treatment offer several interventions, including:

• Medication: Prescription of Anticonvulsants like carbamazepine to control pain.

• Percutaneous Techniques: Procedures like balloon compression, glycerol injection, and radiofrequency thermal lesioning targeting the Gasserian ganglion

• Microvascular Decompression: A surgical procedure aimed at removing or relocating blood vessels that are in contact with the trigeminal root.

• Gamma Knife Surgery: A non-invasive treatment that uses targeted radiation to damage the trigeminal nerve and reduce or eliminate pain.