*credit -(www.neurosurgery.ufl.edu)
My sister’s mother-in-law suffers from this horrible disorder for which there currently is no cure. I never knew the severity of its symptoms until I did an internet search on the disease. Betty didn’t portray how bad she suffered, the last few times I’ve seen her over the years. Betty, who is the same age as my father (85) started suffering from this ailment about 5 years ago.
This painful nerve disease has robbed her quality of life. She has not been able to find a viable treatment option and has resorted to just “drinking” her pain away, truly saddening. We are trying to read all we can about this disease and giver her suggestions to relay to her doctor. Hopefully, she will have relief soon.
Background
The trigeminal nerve is what carries sensation from the face to the brain. When the nerve begins to malfunction and there is contact between an artery or vein and the trigeminal nerve at the brain’s base, pain occurs as a result of the pressure. People who normally suffer from this are over the age of 40 and women.
Causes
There are various causes and in some cases, no cause at all. Some of these include: aging, multiple sclerosis or other similar disease, or even a tumor. Activities that involve touching or even barely stroking the face may trigger a response.
- Shaving
- Smiling
- Eating (as in Betty’s case)
- Putting on makeup
- Any light touch
Symptoms
Symptoms can range from twinging mild pain to excruciating pain with a “stabbing” feeling.Pain can be focused in one area or spread over a wider pattern. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes and the person suffering from this can endure episodes from a few months to a few years. The pain gradually gets worse and more frequent.
Treatment
Betty unfortunately, has tried many treatment options and none of them have had an impact on her condition. She has even tried alternative medicine, hoping acupuncture would help much to her dismay. She currently drinks wine to help her relax, though it doesn’t alleviate the severe pain she has. One treatment we have advised her to consult with her doctor on is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. This is a non-invasive procedure using radiation to damage the nerve causing the pain.
Other treatment options may include:
- Antispasticity agents
- Alcohol injections
- Surgery
You can find more information about treatment options at The Mayo Clinicas well as the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association
