Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia includes medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Its symptoms are primarily caused by nerve compression or inflammation. Trigeminal neuralgia is a common type of neuralgia characterized by severe pain in the intercostal region, which may be accompanied by stabbing, burning, or electric shock-like pain. The pain often radiates along the distribution area of the intercostal nerves and can severely impact daily life.
1. Drug therapy is the first-line treatment for relieving trigeminal neuralgia. Commonly used drugs include carbamazepine, gabapentin, and pregabalin. These drugs reduce pain by inhibiting abnormal nerve discharges. Carbamazepine is a first-line drug for treating neuralgia, but its side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness, should be noted. Gabapentin and pregabalin reduce the occurrence of neuralgia by regulating calcium ion channels.
2. Physical therapy helps improve local blood circulation and relieve nerve compression. Hot compresses, infrared radiation, and ultrasound therapy are commonly used physical therapy methods. Hot compresses can relax muscles and reduce nerve compression; infrared radiation can promote local blood circulation and accelerate the resolution of inflammation; ultrasound therapy relieves inflammation and edema around the nerve through high-frequency vibrations.
3. Surgical treatment is suitable for severe cases where drug therapy and physical therapy are ineffective. Minimally invasive surgeries such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and nerve decompression are common surgical procedures. Nerve blocks temporarily block nerve conduction by injecting anesthetic drugs to relieve pain; radiofrequency ablation uses high-frequency current to destroy nerve fibers, reducing pain signal transmission; nerve decompression surgically relieves nerve compression and restores nerve function.
The symptoms and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia require a personalized approach based on individual circumstances. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are key to relieving pain and improving quality of life. Patients should seek medical attention promptly and choose appropriate treatment methods under the guidance of a doctor to avoid worsening of the condition or the occurrence of complications.