As compared to a few centuries ago, we thankfully have more options for Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment now. They can be used in combination, singly, or in sequence like a step-ladder. Your physician will find the best advice for you, based on your specific requirements.
Typically, treatment begins with medication. Some non-medical therapies may help as adjuncts, or in those who want to exhaust all avenues before they start medication or consider other procedures. Acupuncture and dietary modifications are also suggested as part of multi-modal therapy for Trigeminal Neuralgia.
When the above-mentioned therapies are exhausted, or don’t work, or have stopped being effective, one can try the following options: Radiofrequency lesioning of the Trigeminal Nerve, Glycerol injections into the Trigeminal nerve, balloon compression, Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, Cyberknife) treatment, and Microvascular Decompression.
Each of the above have varying degrees of success, failures, effectivity, and side-effects/ consequences, recurrence rates and costs. An informed decision must be made after weighing each option carefully.
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