Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of the sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve producing bouts of severe, seconds-long, lancinating pain along one or more of the divisions of the trigeminal nerve. According to Western medicine, trigeminal neuralgia’s etiology is unknown. It usually affects older patients, and the pain is often set off by touching a trigger point or by such activities as chewing or brushing the teeth. Because the pain is intense even though brief, repeated bouts may incapacitate the patient. This condition mostly affects those over 40 years of age and more women than men.

In Western medicine, the diagnosis of this condition is based on its symptoms and history. It is treated with carbamazepine which is generally effective. However, during treatment with this drug, hemapoetic functions must be monitored since it can depress the bone marrow. Phenytoin and baclofen are effective in some cases, and sometimes surgery is used to separate away structures that may be pressing on the nerve. Surgical section of the nerve may also be resorted to in cases of intractable pain.

In our treatment of this often intensely painful condition, structural integrity of the spin and cranium is considered of vital importance. By rebalancing the cranial sacral system we reinstate the correct flow of cerebral spinal fluid. This has a profoundly calming effect on both central and peripheral nervous systems, while also relieving any unnatural pressure to the trigeminal nerve by restoring natural position and movement to the bones of the face and cranium.

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture are to nourish and restore health to the nervous system. As the health of the nervous system and the health of the body overall are intimately entwined, we provide nutritional guidance designed to reduce inflammation and correctly nourish the body and its internal organs, allowing us to create a healthier condition where the body can effectively heal.

The result of this integrated treatment is the elimination of painful symptoms while addressing the root cause of their appearance, and the return to a satisfying quality of life that is pain free.