Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) occurs when a blood vessel applies pressure to the trigeminal nerve, which spans the face. Characterized by episodes of pain lasting from days to months, Trigeminal neuralgia produces intense flashes of pain that can be triggered by contact with wind, talking, shaving, brushing the teeth, eating, applying makeup and other tasks that involve contact with the cheek area. These flashes, or attacks, can last for a few moments and occur throughout the day with pain appearing in an isolated area of the face or radiating to other regions of the nerve. These episodes are generally tempered by periods when the individual experiences no pain, however as time progresses, these pain episodes become longer with shorter periods of relief.
Below you will find alternative and natural treatment options including those from a Chinese Medicine perspective for Trigeminal Neuralgia.