Trigeminal neuralgia physiotherapy methods

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on January 14, 2025
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For patients with trigeminal neuralgia, in addition to pharmacological treatment, some physical therapies can also be combined, such as massage, acupressure, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and electrotherapy. These physical therapies can help reduce the incidence of trigeminal neuralgia and improve symptoms. It is recommended to undergo physical therapy under the guidance of a professional physician, which can play a supporting role. Of course, physical therapy cannot replace surgical treatment. If the goal is complete treatment, it is advised to undergo microvascular decompression surgery, which plays a crucial role in alleviating pain and stabilizing the condition. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms display

Trigeminal neuralgia typically manifests as sudden, severe facial pain, most often occurring in areas such as the upper lip, nostril, or corner of the mouth. These areas are prone to forming trigger points, and touching or stimulating these points can provoke an episode of pain. Most often, pain attacks occur when the patient is talking or eating, causing sudden cessation of the activity. The patient may experience unilateral facial muscle spasms, and reactions such as frowning, clenching teeth, opening the mouth wide, covering the eyes, or vigorously rubbing the face with the palm of the hand, leading to rough, thickened skin and eyebrow hair loss.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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Is occipital neuralgia the same as trigeminal neuralgia?

Occipital neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia are different; these are two distinct diseases with different onset times, affected areas, and pain characteristics. Occipital neuralgia generally occurs in the back of the head and is associated with cervical spondylosis, neck muscle tension, spasms, injury, trauma, and inflammation, typically triggering pain in the distribution area of the greater occipital nerve. Trigeminal neuralgia generally affects the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve, causing very intense pain, which may be like lightning or a burning sensation. It is typically triggered by washing the face, brushing teeth, or touching and can start and stop suddenly.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is not uncommon in clinical settings; pain can often occur due to compression by blood vessels or tumor tissues. In addition, infections that irritate the trigeminal nerve can also cause pain. Therefore, it is essential to make assessments based on the specific conditions. In clinical practice, the initial treatment for trigeminal neuralgia typically involves oral medications. If there is no significant improvement with oral medications, further comprehensive examinations are necessary. Treatment options may include sphenopalatine ganglion block technique, microvascular decompression surgery, and craniotomy tumor removal surgery, among other measures. Thus, for trigeminal neuralgia, there are various treatment options available that can potentially provide significant relief. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Should people with trigeminal neuralgia avoid certain foods?

Patients with trigeminal neuralgia need to be cautious about their diet. In daily life, try to avoid oily, spicy, and irritating foods, as these types of foods may trigger an attack of trigeminal neuralgia or make the existing attacks more frequent, thereby causing great pain to the patient. It is recommended to choose a light diet in daily life, low in salt and fat, especially for patients with high blood pressure or diabetes, who need to be more cautious. It may be beneficial to appropriately include some fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet, and it is also suggested to supplement with some multivitamin drugs, which might enhance the effects. If trigeminal neuralgia attacks frequently, it is still recommended to visit a local hospital in a timely manner and consider undergoing microvascular decompression surgery for treatment.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Will trigeminal neuralgia cause facial swelling?

Trigeminal neuralgia, if very severe, can also cause facial swelling. This is because the muscle tissue in the human body has a neurotrophic function, meaning that its nerves do not only play a controlling role but also have a nutritive function. If the pain from the trigeminal neuralgia is continuously severe, this can lead to the loss of the nutritive function, and over time it might cause muscle edema. Therefore, in such cases, it is crucial to promptly determine any changes in the condition and proceed with the necessary examinations and treatments early on to reduce problems of facial swelling caused by severe trigeminal neuralgia pain later. This often appears in the later stages and indicates that the condition has become relatively severe, requiring timely treatment.