Explore causes, symptoms, and treatments for trigeminal neuralgia, a condition affecting MS patients more frequently. Learn more at Amethyst Radiotherapy.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are distinct neurological disorders. However, according to the MS Society, it is estimated that people with MS are 20 times more likely to experience TN than those without MS. Here’s a look at the causes, symptoms and treatments for trigeminal neuralgia occurring with MS.
TN is caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve, which can trigger shooting pain in the face. The acute attacks of pain are described as sudden and severe, usually occurring in short stabbing bursts lasting up to two minutes, but sometimes just a few seconds. The pain is commonly felt on one side of the face, usually in the jaw, teeth or gums.
The pain can relapse and recur, with weeks or months in between attacks. However, over time the condition may get progressively worse and the pain becomes more frequent. Sometimes, TN can progress from acute to chronic pain, which is more likely to be an aching or burning sensation that is constantly present.
TN is thought to be a relatively rare condition that affects more women than men, and usually starts between the ages of 50 and 60. The attacks sometimes have an identifiable trigger, such as brushing the teeth, eating, washing, or moving the head. In some cases, there appears to be no reason for the onset of pain.
Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system around the brain and spinal cord. The immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath that covers the nerve fibres, resulting in difficulties of communication between the brain and spinal cord.
This can cause a wide range of problems that may get worse over time, or recur and relapse. Most MS patients eventually live with some degree of disability.
Anyone who is experiencing acute or chronic pain in their face should see a GP, who will carry out a review of the medical history, and may request some tests to try to identify the cause. In some cases there may be an alternative explanation, such as dental problems. The doctor may request an MRI scan to identify any abnormalities in the trigeminal nerve.
TN in itself can be a debilitating condition to live with, causing difficulty eating and sleeping, often resulting in weight loss. Patients may become depressed as a result of the severe pain, or become more socially isolated due to being physically unable to partake in usual activities such as exercise or going out for meals.
MS patients face more severe challenges, because they may already be dealing with a wide range of other symptoms that are complex to manage. Therefore TN can seriously impact their quality of life and increase their current level of disability.
The mental health of MS patients living with TN may suffer, particularly if it develops into chronic pain. Depression and anxiety are understandably common among MS patients, and it can be debilitating in itself. Combined with pain and all the other potential difficulties caused by MS, patients who also experience TN can be even more vulnerable.
The first line of treatment for TN is usually painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, these may not be effective for severe pain. In this case, doctors may prescribe anticonvulsants. If this is not successful or causes too many side effects, then the doctor may recommend a type of surgery.
In some cases, Gamma Knife radiosurgery has been found to be effective for treating TN. This is not traditional surgery involving an incision into the skull, so it carries much less risk for infections, bleeding and the other complications associated with open surgery.
The radiosurgery involves applying a very high dose of gamma radiation that is precisely targeted at points along the trigeminal nerve. This causes deliberate damage to the nerve, resulting in a loss of feeling and relief from pain.
If you are looking for further information on face pain and trigeminal neuralgia, please contact Mr Jonathan Hyam of Amethyst Radiotherapy..
Centres of Excellence for Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment of complex Brain Tumours
Want to know more about Gamma Knife Treatment?
Our friendly staff are here to help you, get in touch with them today
