Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment Options and Medical Departments to Consult

If you're suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, it's important to visit the right medical department for effective treatment. Patients are typically advised to seek help from either a neurosurgery department or a pain management clinic. While some may initially consult a neurologist in internal medicine, the most effective treatment options are generally classified as either non-surgical or surgical interventions.

Non-Surgical Treatment Approaches

One of the most common non-surgical treatments involves the use of medications such as carbamazepine. This drug is often prescribed to manage the intense facial pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. However, long-term use may lead to side effects and may only offer limited relief in advanced cases. While medication can help control symptoms initially, it's often not sufficient for long-term pain relief.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Percutaneous Balloon Compression

In recent years, percutaneous balloon compression has emerged as a viable treatment option for patients with trigeminal neuralgia. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a needle through the face and into the foramen ovale, followed by inflating a balloon to create a small pressure point at the base of the skull. The pressure gently damages the trigeminal nerve's semilunar ganglion, which can significantly reduce or eliminate pain signals.

Surgical Treatment Options

For long-term relief, surgical intervention is often the most effective solution. According to clinical data, patient satisfaction following surgical treatment is significantly higher compared to medication or percutaneous procedures. Among surgical options, microvascular decompression is currently the most widely used and successful method. This procedure aims to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve caused by blood vessels, offering lasting pain relief for many patients who experience recurrence after less invasive treatments.