Trigeminal Neuralgia

Are you living with intense, chronic facial pain? Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) can be treated with help from the neurosurgeon team at Richmond University Medical Center. Located at 355 Bard Avenue, the Richmond Brain and Spine Center is easily accessible for residents of Staten Island and the greater NYC area.

Types Of Trigeminal Neuralgia

The trigeminal nerve is the 5th cranial nerve that carries signals from the face to the brain. When the nerve is disrupted or damaged, it causes patients to experience severe, sporadic pain in all areas where the nerve branches out to: in this case, the lips, eyes, scalp, nose, upper jaw, lower jaw and forehead.

There are two types of trigeminal neuralgia, TN1 and TN2. Both are categorized by extreme facial pain, but TN1 typically occurs in sporadic bouts that last a few seconds or minutes, whereas TN2 is more constant pain, but generally at a lower intensity. Both can be triggered by activities involving touching or applying pressure to the face, like eating, putting on makeup, brushing teeth or shaving.

TN Treatment In NYC

In order to offer the most effective treatment for TN patients, it’s important to understand the source of the pain. Sometimes TN occurs because a blood vessel is pressing down on the nerve. As a result, the nerve covering (myelin sheath) gradually wears away and exposes the sensitive nerve. TN can be treated with anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants and other medications, but your doctor may recommend surgery.

Selecting the best surgical treatment depends on your individual condition, health and preferences. Keep in mind that some procedures are outpatient, while others require anesthesia and a lengthy hospital stay. Additionally, some may offer immediate relief, while others may take a few weeks to diminish the pain.

Learn More

Take back your life by scheduling a TN consultation today. Call (718)-818-4000 for more information about what our experienced neurosurgeons can do for you.