For many, a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is a welcome first step toward ending powerful facial pain symptoms that affect a patient’s everyday life. The next step: treating trigeminal neuralgia.
Here are some of the treatment options you may consider to treat your facial pain:
Medications can relieve symptoms and block the pain signals that travel from the nerve to the brain, but the longer they’re taken, the less effective they can become.
Microvascular decompression, a surgical procedure, moves blood vessels away from the trigeminal nerve, thereby reducing pain. The procedure carries some risks, and some patients may experience a recurrence of pain.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a nonsurgical option that can relieve facial pain, often in just one treatment session. During a Gamma Knife procedure, a powerful dose of radiation targets the trigeminal nerve, causing damage to the nerve. Because the radiation dose is precisely focused on the nerve, there is no damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure can be repeated if necessary.
It’s important to weigh your options carefully and speak with healthcare providers who are experienced in treating trigeminal neuralgia. The experts at The Valley Hospital Gamma Knife Center are specially trained in using Gamma Knife radiosurgery to treat facial pain and can tell you if you’re a good candidate for this procedure. They can also answer common questions about Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
If you’re ready to explore Gamma Knife radiosurgery, learn more about our team and contact us to schedule a consultation.
