Trigeminal Neuralgia or
Tic Douloureux, as it is sometimes called, is characterized
by excruciatingly painful electric shocks to the face.
These bursts typically last approximately twenty seconds
and are among the worst pains known to humankind.
In certain cases, this
condition may be a result of an injury or a dysfunction
involving a muscle or tendon and their related nerves.
Our treatment approach is comparable to the treatment
for other muscle and tendon related problems. Click
here for a description.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
can also result from dysfunctions involving the brain,
blood vessels, or groups of nerve cells called ganglia.
If we believe that one of these is the cause of the problem,
we refer the patient to the appropriate specialists who
commonly employ medications and/or a variety of surgical
procedures.
Atypical Facial
Atypical Facial Pain (ATFP)
is a catchall term which includes a large group of facial
pain conditions. It can include aching, cramping, burning,
pressure, and pulling sensations. In certain cases, it
can extend to the side of the neck or behind the ear.
Although rarely as severe as the electric shocks which
characterize trigeminal neuralgia (TN), ATFP patients
typically experience pain for much longer periods of time,
sometimes lasting many years. In some cases, ATFP is an
early form of trigeminal neuralgia. Some patients have
components of TN as well as ATFP. The previous belief
that ATFP was due to "psychological" problems
has been proven incorrect.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
There are many possible causes for ATFP which, in part,
include:
- Sinus infections
- Dental decay or infections
- Neuralgia Inducing
Cavitational Osteonecrosis (also called N.I.C.O., non-suppurative
osteomyelitis, cavitations, Ratner's lesions, etc.)
- Stylomandibular ligament
sprains (Ernest Syndrome)
- Temporal Tendonitis
- Temporomandibular
Joint Injuries, Arthritis, and other dysfunctions
- Myofascial trigger
points affecting numerous muscles including the masseter,
pterygoids, sternocleidomastoid, etc.
- Trigeminal Neuropathy
- Diseases and disorders
of the cervical spine.
- Tumors affecting the
Vagus Nerve in the region of the lung or esophagus
Some believe that vascular
compression of the trigeminal ganglia in the same area
that is believed to cause certain types of trigeminal
neuralgia can also cause ATFP. However, microvascular
decompression (brain surgery) rarely leads to pain relief
in ATFP patients.
As stated elsewhere,
over 90% of our patient report that pain is gone at discharge.
Please click here for information regarding other sources of pain
in the face and jaw.
“Before I came here
my face hurt so bad that I wanted to rip it off my head.
It feels great now that the pain is gone. Everyone here
was wonderful.” - Meredith R.
"I severely injured
my face and tongue in a bad accident and couldn't eat
or accomplish anything until I came here for treatment.
I just got better and better until it was all gone."
- Brian K.
“I’ll tell you it was hard for me to believe the face pain and electric shocks went away after having them for ten years. It used to be like running a 277 volt electric charge (like a fluorescent light) across my face. The day it stopped, I woke up without it and was sure it would come back after ten doctors and specialists didn’t know what to do about it. My wife and I just stared at each other because we were so surprised. Dr. Klemons and his staff from one end to the other are wonderful. Everything is right on time here.” - Francis B.
