Trigeminal neuralgia that is difficult to cure can be relieved through medication, surgery, and lifestyle modifications. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic neuropathic pain that may be caused by vascular compression, nerve damage, or various diseases, and treatment should target the underlying cause.
1. Drug therapy is the first-line treatment. Commonly used drugs include carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and gabapentin. Carbamazepine reduces pain attacks by inhibiting nerve excitability, oxcarbazepine has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use, while gabapentin relieves pain by regulating neurotransmitters. If drug therapy is ineffective, other treatment methods should be considered.
2. Surgical treatment is suitable for patients who do not respond to medication or cannot tolerate its side effects. Microvascular decompression relieves pain by relieving pressure on nerves from blood vessels; radiofrequency ablation reduces pain transmission by destroying some nerve fibers with high temperatures; and Gamma Knife radiosurgery destroys nerve pain transmission pathways with precise radiation. The choice of surgery depends on the patient's specific condition and...
3. Lifestyle adjustments can help alleviate symptoms. Avoiding cold stimuli, such as cold wind and cold water, can reduce the frequency of neuralgia attacks. Dietary restrictions include avoiding spicy, excessively cold, or excessively hot foods; choose mild and easily digestible foods. Maintaining emotional stability and avoiding excessive tension or anxiety can be helpful by relaxing the mind and body through meditation, deep breathing, and other methods.
4. Etiological analysis shows that trigeminal neuralgia may be related to diseases such as vascular compression, nerve damage, multiple sclerosis, or tumors. Vascular compression is the most common cause, where contact between the blood vessel and the nerve leads to abnormal electrical discharges. Nerve damage may be caused by trauma, infection, or surgery. Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis can also trigger trigeminal neuralgia, and imaging examinations are needed to determine the cause.
5. Persistent trigeminal neuralgia requires vigilance for complications such as anxiety and depression. Recurrent pain can impact a patient's quality of life, leading to low mood or sleep disturbances. Timely medical attention, combined with medication, psychological counseling, and rehabilitation training, can effectively improve symptoms and enhance quality of life.
Trigeminal neuralgia that is difficult to cure requires comprehensive treatment, which combines medication, surgical intervention, and lifestyle adjustments. Treatment should target the underlying cause, while also paying attention to mental health and seeking professional help in a timely manner in order to effectively relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.