Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in Delhi
Specialist care for sudden, sharp, electric shock like pain in the face, jaw, cheek or around the eye.
When everyday things like eating and talking start to hurt
Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve condition that causes sudden attacks of intense pain on one side of the face. Patients often describe it as a current passing through the cheek or jaw. An attack may last only a few seconds, but it can come again and again through the day, and the fear of the next attack is often as tiring as the pain itself.
Many patients first visit a dentist because the pain feels like it is coming from a tooth. Some even get a root canal or an extraction done, and the pain still does not go away. Getting the right diagnosis early saves a lot of suffering and unnecessary dental treatment.
Assessment before treatment
The aim is to confirm that the pain is coming from the trigeminal nerve, find out which branch is involved and look for any underlying cause before deciding on treatment.
Dr. Ekta Gupta
MBBS, MD, Fellowship Trained Pain Physician, AIIMS Delhi
Symptoms that may need assessment
Electric shock like pain
Sudden, stabbing or shooting pain that comes and goes in a flash.
One sided face pain
Pain usually stays on one side, most often in the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums or lips.
Pain on light touch
Brushing teeth, washing the face, applying makeup or shaving can set off an attack.
Pain while eating or talking
Chewing, smiling or even speaking can bring on the pain, so many patients start eating less.
Triggered by cold breeze
Wind on the face, especially while riding a two wheeler or sitting near an AC or fan, can trigger pain.
Pain free gaps
Attacks may stop for weeks or months and then return, sometimes more often than before.
What can cause trigeminal neuralgia?
Blood vessel pressing on the nerve
The most common cause. A small artery or vein near the brainstem presses on the trigeminal nerve and irritates it.
Age related changes
The condition is seen more often after the age of 50 and is slightly more common in women.
Multiple sclerosis
In younger patients, damage to the protective covering of the nerve can cause similar pain.
Injury or surgery to the face
Facial trauma, dental procedures or sinus surgery can sometimes injure a branch of the nerve.
Growth near the nerve
Rarely, a cyst or tumour pressing on the nerve can be the cause, which is why imaging matters.
No clear cause
In some patients, no specific cause is found even after investigation, and treatment focuses on controlling the pain.
Treatment is based on the diagnosis
There is no single treatment that works for every patient. The plan depends on how severe and frequent the attacks are, how well medicines are working, side effects and your overall health.
- Detailed history of the pain pattern and triggers
- Facial nerve examination
- MRI of the brain with a nerve focused protocol when needed
- Review of previous medicines and dental treatment
- Clear discussion of medical and procedure based options
Cause focused evaluation
History, examination and MRI help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of face pain.
Medication planning
Specific nerve pain medicines are usually the first step. Doses are adjusted carefully to balance relief and side effects like drowsiness or dizziness.
Trigeminal nerve blocks
For quick relief during a severe flare, a targeted block of the affected branch can calm the pain and help patients eat and sleep again.
Radiofrequency treatment
For patients whose pain is not controlled with medicines, or who cannot tolerate them, radiofrequency treatment of the trigeminal nerve can give long lasting relief.
Surgical opinion when needed
If imaging shows a clear blood vessel compression and the patient is fit for surgery, a referral for neurosurgical evaluation is discussed openly.
Regular follow up
Medicines are tapered when pain settles, and the plan is changed if attacks return.
When targeted treatment may be appropriate
Many patients do well on medicines in the beginning. Over time, some need higher doses, feel too sleepy or unsteady, or stop getting relief. For such patients, image guided procedures can target the trigeminal nerve directly and reduce dependence on heavy medication. The procedure is chosen only after careful assessment.
Commonly considered procedures
- Peripheral trigeminal nerve blocks (supraorbital, infraorbital and mental nerve blocks)
- Gasserian ganglion block under fluoroscopy guidance
- Pulsed radiofrequency of the trigeminal nerve
- Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the Gasserian ganglion for selected patients
- Combined approach with medicines for better control
Most of these are daycare procedures done under local anaesthesia, and patients usually go home the same day. Some procedures can cause mild numbness in the treated area, and this is explained in detail before any treatment is planned.
Pain relief is only one part of recovery
Eat and speak comfortably
The first goal is to help you eat proper meals and talk without fear of the next attack.
Sleep and mood
Constant fear of pain affects sleep, mood and confidence. Good pain control brings these back on track.
Fewer side effects
Lowering the medicine load where possible helps patients feel more alert and steady in daily life.
Do not ignore persistent or changing face pain
Please get assessed early if face pain keeps coming back, is not settling after dental treatment, or stops you from eating properly.
Seek urgent medical attention if face pain comes with new weakness or numbness of the face, double vision, hearing loss, difficulty in speaking or swallowing, or pain on both sides of the face.
A simple treatment journey
Consultation
Discuss your attacks, triggers, past dental or medical treatment and how the pain affects your day.
Examination
Check facial sensation and the nerve branches involved, and review any MRI or reports.
Plan
Choose the right mix of medicines, nerve blocks or radiofrequency treatment.
Follow up
Review relief, adjust medicines and plan next steps if pain returns.
Frequently asked questions
What does trigeminal neuralgia feel like?
Is trigeminal neuralgia a dental problem?
Can trigeminal neuralgia be cured without surgery?
How long does relief from radiofrequency treatment last?
Which doctor should I see for trigeminal neuralgia?
Related pain treatment pages
Discuss your face pain with Dr. Ekta Gupta
If sudden face pain is affecting how you eat, talk, sleep or go about your day, a specialist assessment can help you understand the cause and the treatment options available.
Dr. Ekta Gupta, Pain Management Specialist
MBBS, MD, Fellowship Trained Pain Physician, AIIMS Delhi
Ground Floor, E-29/B, Block E, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi 110027