TN News: Treatment

The primary option for treating TN (trigeminal neuralgia) is called a microvascular decompression. The surgeon approaches the brain from a small hole in the base of the skull, finds blood vessels pushing on the trigeminal nerve, and removes or re-routes the blood vessels. After this the surgeon places a teflon "cushion" between your nerve and the blood vessels. Yes, that's teflon like the non-stick coating on your pans!

Source: Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia

Dr. Clyde provides a great explanation of microvascular decompression above. Side effects following the surgery may include facial numbness or lack of muscle tone/control in the affected region(s) of the face. The surgery is not always a success, but many people are able to find relief from their symptoms with this surgery. However it is important to note that this surgery only works if the nerve is being compressed by a blood vessel! If your pain is caused by another source, you may need to explore other treatment options.

Sources:
  Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia (November 2, 2010). Retrieved May 10, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYpWgeC3K-s

TN News: The Symptoms

This video documentary of the experiences of Frances Shaver with TN (trigeminal neuralgia) provides an excellent firsthand description of how TN feels. People living with TN experience repeated bouts of excruciating facial pain that might be confused with dental pain or MS pain (multiple sclerosis). The best description of symptoms in this video takes place during approximately the first six minutes:

Source: The Suicide Disease

Sources:

 The Suicide Disease (December 19, 2013). (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzx_m-a2BJw