Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic, recurring pain that affects one side of the face. This pain is caused by a malfunction in the trigeminal nerve, the major nerve carrying sensation from the face to the brain. It can be excruciating and last anywhere from seconds to minutes.
Trigeminal neuralgia is exacerbated by common daily activities such as:
eating
speaking
smiling
touch
teeth brushing
cold air
eating cold or hot foods
Acupuncture works to reduce pain from trigeminal neuralgia to make daily life livable again.
Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Although the precise cause of the nerve dysfunction that results in trigeminal neuralgia pain is unknown, acupuncture can effectively reduce the occurrences and severity of the pain.
Episodes of trigeminal neuralgia can often be exacerbated by stress. Acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and neural pathways, initiating a full relaxation response in the body. It has also been proven to increase circulation. Improved blood flow to the face and trigeminal nerve can decrease inflammation and pain and encourage nerve regrowth and regeneration.
According to clinical study, acupuncture had a total effective rate of 95% at reducing trigeminal neuralgia pain. 70% of patients with trigeminal neuralgia were fully cured after acupuncture. For the study's successful outcomes, patients received 14 treatments over the course of 5 weeks.
Comparatively, carbamepazine, an anticonvulsant prescribed for trigeminal neuralgia, had an effective rate of 87.5% and only 55% of patients were cured after treatment. Use of carbamazepine involves the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, rare but life-threatening skin disorders. Another treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia is surgery, which can result in nerve damage or a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Acupuncture is clinically more effective and has no harmful side effects.
If your everyday life has been affected by trigeminal neuralgia, let us help you start reducing your pain naturally today! Call us at (321) 972-2940 to schedule your free consultation.
Sources:
HealthCMI. "Acupuncture Reduces Trigeminal Neuralgia." (July 28, 2015). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1505-acupuncture-reduces-trigeminal-neuralgia-pain
Hunstad, Eric P. "Acupuncture Information Manual (AIM)." (2017).