Trigeminal neuralgia is the medical name for a type of facial pain caused by impingement (pressure or "pinching") on a major cranial nerve sometimes called the trigeminal nerve and sometimes referred to as the Fifth Cranial Nerve (CN5). CN5 has both sensory and motor functions. When impinged upon, it can create an intense burning or stabbing pain (neuralgia) in specific regions of the face.
Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The trigeminal nerve has three major branches (hence the prefix "tri"):
- V1 is the Ophthalmic (eye area) branch.
- V2 is the Maxillary (upper teeth and gums) branch.
- V3 is the lower teeth, gums and jaw area.
When neuralgia is experienced in sharp, intermittent bursts in one or more of these areas on one side of the face, it is a sign that trigeminal neuralgia may be the culprit. Other clues come from pain triggers. Some of the actions that trigger the onset of trigeminal neuralgia include:
- Chewing
- Talking
- Smiling
- Drinking hot or cold liquids
- Tooth brushing
- Shaving
- Nose blowing
Basically, any activity that involves touching or moving the facial area can trigger an attack. While not life threatening, trigeminal neuralgia can be debilitating and tends to come more frequently and with greater intensity over time.
Conventional Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Conventional medical treatments are either pharmaceutical or surgical, with pharmaceutical drugs being the first course of treatment usually prescribed. These are usually also medications also prescribed for control of epilepsy. Usually, the cause of trigeminal neuralgia can be traced to a cranial (brain) blood vessel that is pressing against CN5. Surgical procedures are used in an attempt to move the blood vessel, cushion the nerve or deaden a section of the nerve.
Natural Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Natural treatments include a group of herbs generally called "nervines" that act to relieve pain and support the healthy function of the peripheral nervous system. Some of these include:
- Rosemary
- Kava kava
- Valerian
- Motherwort
- St Johns Wort
- Jamaican dogwood
Each of these is used for a variety of disorders associated with the nervous system, including insomnia, anxiety, fear and migraines. Many of them, such as kava kava and valerian, can have a profoundly sedating affect and may pose a danger when driving or may affect your performance in a number of tasks. Ask a qualified herbalist for their advice before using these and other herbal remedies. They are the ones who are best able to prescribe dosages and treatment courses. Also be sure and advise both your physician and herbalist of any other medications you are using, whether herbal or pharmaceutical, because they sometimes can interact negatively.
Other herbs used for treating trigeminal neuralgia include anti-inflammatories such as cayenne and turmeric, though these are generally considered to be re-enforcing rather than primary herbal treatments.
Acupuncture and acupressure are also said to be effective treatments for the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. Both of these are based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system and approach disease from the perspective of the energy pathways mapped out by the ancient Chinese practitioners.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a serious condition and on occasion may have a serious cause, such as a tumour, that also will require treatment. Always seek professional medical advice and diagnosis rather than attempt to treat any condition yourself.
Originally published on Feb 16, 2012
