Trigeminal neuralgia is also known as tic douloureux. It is a neurological condition leading to intense facial pain. It affects the trigeminal nerve which is also known as the facial nerve. It is a recurrent and intermittent painful condition that comes and goes. Simple activities such as talking, chewing, brushing teeth, or shaving can be tough. It triggers brief bouts of pain, which are challenging to deal with. In some cases, dull, aching, constant pain is present throughout the day. Trigeminal neuralgia accounts for 4.3 new cases per 100,000. It is a relatively rare condition, and approximately 150,000 people each year are diagnosed with it.  

Trigeminal neuralgia pain may affect one side of the face which is also called unilateral pain. It may also affect both sides of the face in extreme cases, which is also known as bilateral pain. The trigeminal nerve is one of the most essential nerves of the 12 cranial nerves attached to your brain. It transmits touch and pain sensations from the face or head to the brain. The causes and symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia depend mainly on the part of the trigeminal nerve affected. Homeopathic medicines help alleviate the painful symptoms.  

Role of homeopathy medicines in trigeminal neuralgia  

Homeopathy works by reducing the hypersensitivity of trigeminal nerves. It reduces the frequency, duration, and severity of neuralgia or nerve pain, allowing you to stay stable with pain-free periods for a longer duration. Homeopathy works as a target-based therapy for trigeminal neuralgia. 

Five effective homeopathic medicines for trigeminal neuralgia  

Magnesium phosphoricum  

Common name: Phosphate of magnesia  

Mag. phos. is indicated in cases of neuralgic pain with muscle spasms and cramps. It is also suitable in cases of vertigo and pain above the eye with eyelid twitching. Ear pain is present and increases with washing with cold water. Pain in the tooth is improved by drinking hot water. The symptoms are worsened at night, when touching the affected area, and in cold weather. Putting pressure on the area and warmth increases the symptoms.  

Phosphorus  

Common name: Elemental phosphorus  

Phos. is suggested in cases of nerve pain arising from the brainstem or spinal cord. It is indicated in cases of trigeminal neuralgia with destruction of the jaw. Neuralgia with burning pain is well-marked. There is redness of the cheeks and tearing pain in the facial bones. Vertigo with neuralgic pain is especially seen in the elderly. The symptoms worsen in the evening when touching the affected area and consuming warm food or drink.   

Rhus toxicodendron  

Common name: Poison ivy  

Rhus tox. is recommended in cases of trigeminal nerve pain with a sensation of heaviness in the head. There is cracking pain in the jaw while eating. Stiffness is well-marked, especially in the jaw muscles. Nerve pain and chills worsen when eating. Symptoms are worse at night, lying on the right side, and better when rubbing the affected area.  

Verbascum thapsus  

Common name: Mullein 

Verbascum is recommended in cases of trigeminal nerve pain associated with respiratory infection. Neuralgia of the left side of the face, temporomandibular joint, and ear is well-marked. There is a sensation as if parts are crushed with tongs. Pain in the ears is present as if something is stuck in the ear. Symptoms are worsened when sneezing or eating something hard and better with a change of temperature.  

Hekla lava  

Common name: Lava Scori? from Mt. Hecla 

Hekla lava is indicated in cases of trigeminal neuralgia with intense jaw pain. There is nerve pain in the face triggered by tooth extraction. There is marked swelling of the jaws with an enlarged cheekbone. It is also suited in cases of gum abscess.  

Causes of trigeminal neuralgia  

  • Disruption of trigeminal nerve function 
  • Malfunction at the base of the brain from where the trigeminal nerve originates 
  • Compression of blood vessels in the face is mainly due to a cyst at the brain stem  
  • Disruption of the myelin sheath of the trigeminal nerve is primarily seen in multiple sclerosis  
  • Brain lesion  
  • Tumor compressing the trigeminal neuralgia at the brain stem 
  • Stroke or facial trauma 
  • Surgical injuries affecting the trigeminal nerve, such as sinus surgery  
  • Women are more likely to be affected by trigeminal neuralgia  
  • Aging and people over 50 years of age are at higher risk of trigeminal neuralgia  
  • Hypertension is associated with increased nerve pressure of the trigeminal nerve.    

Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia  

  • Episodes of severe, shooting, jabbing pain like an electric shock. 
  • Numbness, tingling sensation with jolts of pain.  
  • Burning sensation all over the face.  
  • Pain may last for a few seconds, several minutes, or even days.  
  • Pain may be localized or radiating to the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, eyes, and forehead, which means it may be focused on one spot or may have broader patterns affecting the whole face.  
  • Recurring facial pain that is not relieved by painkillers. 
  • Multiple facial spasms or twitching. 
  • Pain is triggered by the slightest touch, chewing, drinking, icy water, talking, brushing teeth, laughing or smiling, and washing the face.  
  • Typical trigeminal neuralgia pain is sharp, intense, and sporadic, with pain and burning sensation all over your face, which can last from a few seconds to 1-2 minutes. There will be pain-free moments which can continue for up to 2 hours.  
  • Atypical trigeminal neuralgia is less painful and intense with widespread pain. It is suited in cases of stabbing and burning sensations with uncontrolling painful symptoms.  

Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia 

  • Medications include carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine for controlling pain.  
  • Anticonvulsant medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin for electric shock like nerve pain. 
  • Opioids help prevent painful episodes.  
  • Muscle relaxants and anti-spasticity medications for relieving stiffening of jaw muscles.  
  • Botox injections to reduce pain. 
  • Antidepressants to relieve pain. 
  • Glycerol localized injection to block pain signal pathways. 
  • Surgery which involves open cranial surgery or lesioning procedures for the trigeminal nerve.  
  • Microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve root to reduce hypersensitivity.  
  • Percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy or balloon compression with the use of heat electrocoagulation. 
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery which includes cyberknife, gamma knife, and linear accelerator.  
  • Neurectomy for cutting a part of the trigeminal nerve.  

Lifestyle modifications for trigeminal neuralgia 

  • Wear a scarf over the face to protect against the wind to keep flare-ups at bay. 
  • Prevent a draft of cold air hitting your face to avoid sensitivity of the trigeminal nerve.  
  • Use straws to drink cold drinks to prevent involvement of the affected area.  
  • Eat mushy soft foods that do not require much chewing activity.  
  • Avoid spicy foods, hot or cold foods, and stimulants that trigger pain.  

Conclusion  

Trigeminal nerve pain is sometimes confused with dental pain. It is important to detect trigeminal neuralgia at an early stage before it gets complicated. The prognosis of trigeminal nerve pain will depend on the chronicity of the problem. Taking homeopathy along with conventional medicines can help reduce the intensity of pain. Long-term treatment with homeopathy is recommended for better relief.  

References 

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