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Trigeminal Neuralgia
How is it treated?
If, after several visits to a dentist, a GP or an oral surgeon, TN is suspected, the patient is sent to a neurologist. He will perform some neurological tests to rule out or discover other diseases. He will also ask for a precise description of the pain. Most doctors will recommend a MRI scan in order to see if there is any obvious cause.
A number of drugs, mainly anti-epileptic, are used to treat TN singly or in combination. As these drugs have a number of side effects such as drowsiness or a feeling of inability to concentrate, the specific drugs for an individual are dictated by efficacy and affect. If a drug regime fails to alleviate pain or leads to unacceptable side effects, surgery may be considered. There are a wide variety of surgical procedures available, all with their own risks but they give much longer pain relief periods. Due to the rarity of the condition and its severity, sufferers can feel isolated and fearful. Contact with a trigeminal neuralgia support group may be very helpful.
How is it diagnosed?
| Inheritance patterns and prenatal diagnosis 
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