Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia and Treatment in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
๐ Table of Contents
๐น What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which transmits facial sensations to the brain.
This disorder causes sudden, severe, and stabbing pain, often described as an electric shock.
Even mild activities such as eating, brushing teeth, or talking can trigger excruciating pain episodes.
๐น Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The primary symptom is intense facial pain that lasts for a few seconds to several minutes.
The pain typically affects one side of the face and can be triggered by everyday activities.
Episodes tend to worsen over time, increasing in frequency and intensity.
๐น Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The most common cause is a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve.
Other potential causes include multiple sclerosis, nerve injury, or tumors.
Trigeminal neuralgia is more common in women and people over 50.
๐น Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia
A neurologist typically diagnoses this condition through a medical history and physical examination.
An MRI scan may be used to detect nerve compression or rule out other disorders.
๐น Treatment Options
Treatment often begins with anticonvulsant medications like carbamazepine to reduce nerve pain.
When medications are ineffective, surgical procedures such as microvascular decompression or gamma knife radiosurgery may be considered.
๐น Treatment in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee offers several specialized centers for treating trigeminal neuralgia.
The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin provides expert neurological care.
Dr. Jonathan W. Florczak, a neurologist at Froedtert, specializes in trigeminal neuralgia treatments.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Peter A. Pahapill offers surgical options such as microvascular decompression.
The Milwaukee Pain Treatment Center provides non-surgical pain management options.
๐ Froedtert Neurosciences ๐ Milwaukee Pain TreatmentKey terms: Trigeminal Neuralgia, Facial Pain, Milwaukee Treatment, Nerve Compression, Pain Management