Symptomatic treatment for trigeminal neuralgia includes medication, surgery, and lifestyle modifications. The specific method should be chosen based on the cause and severity of the condition. Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological disorder characterized by severe facial pain, often caused by blood vessel compression of nerves, inflammation, or tumors.
1. Drug therapy is the first-line treatment. Commonly used drugs include carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and gabapentin. Carbamazepine relieves pain by inhibiting nerve excitability. The starting dose is 100 mg twice daily, gradually increasing to an effective dose. Oxcarbazepine has fewer side effects, and the starting dose is 300 mg twice daily. Gabapentin is suitable for patients who are intolerant to other drugs, and the starting dose is 300 mg three times daily.
2. Surgical treatment is suitable for patients who do not respond to medication or experience significant side effects. Microvascular decompression relieves pain by removing the blood vessel compressing the trigeminal nerve, with a success rate of approximately 80%. Gamma Knife radiosurgery uses precise radiation to disrupt nerve conduction pathways and is suitable for patients who cannot tolerate craniotomy. Percutaneous balloon compression relieves pain by mechanically compressing the ganglion and is suitable for elderly patients.
3. Lifestyle adjustments can help reduce pain attacks. Avoid hot and cold stimuli, keep your face warm, reduce chewing hard foods, choose soft foods, avoid stress, ensure sufficient sleep, perform regular facial massages, and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia requires a personalized approach based on individual circumstances and is recommended to be conducted under the guidance of a doctor. Medication is fundamental, surgery is suitable for specific groups, and lifestyle modifications can help alleviate symptoms. Timely medical attention, standardized treatment, and adherence to rehabilitation are key to controlling trigeminal neuralgia.