trigeminal neuralgia

[cenow1982]

My aunt has trigeminal neuralgia and she has been having attacks that are closer together and more sever she is treating them with pain meds, but she is having to take more of them and more often. We have tried to talk her in to having surgery, but she is very hesitant. She is worried that she will be paralized on some or all of her face and arms. Is there a surgery that does not have these affects, but will help her symptoms without having to have additional surgeries?

Thank you,
Casey

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

There are sugical options, and there are non surgical options. You could discuss the option of Glycerol injections with her Neurosurgeon. One more option of Stereotactic radiation therapy can also be considered.

Regards

[cenow1982]

thank you
:)
Casey

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

All types of surgery have their potential risks. However, with the recent advancements made during the last decade or so, these risks have been minimized to a significant degree.

It would be advisable to bring your aunt to a neurosurgeon to assess her condition and determine if she is a viable candidate for surgery. This will also be the time to ask the surgeon about the complications that she is afraid of.

Hope this helps.