CyberKnife and Trigeminal Neuralgia: The Condition and Treatment

by | Feb 14, 2020 | CyberKnife Center of Miami, Trigeminal Neuralgia

The largest nerve in the human head is the Trigeminal Nerve. It stems from the brain and controls sensations to the face. While most of us are feeling the warmth of the sun or a sweet caress on our cheek, about 1 in 15,000 people are experiencing excruciating pain caused by a nerve disorder known as Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Erratic, electric shocks along the forehead, cheek and/or jaw can which be caused by normal facial movements we do everyday like chewing or talking. Other times something as simple as a cool breeze can lead to pain. This chronic and debilitating nerve syndrome can affect people on an emotional and physical level, making ordinary tasks impossible and prevent them from enjoying their daily life.

What Are the Conditions of Trigeminal Neuralgia?

While it is a rare nerve disorder, Trigeminal Neuralgia can be brought on by any number of influences. It typically occurs in people with multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that leads to the deterioration of the nerve protective coating, the myelin sheath. Compression of a blood vessel on the Trigeminal Nerve as it exits the brain stem can also damage the myelin sheath and lead to Trigeminal Neuralgia. A tangle of arteries and veins, known as an arteriovenous malformation, or even a small tumor can also cause nerve compression and irritation. Trigeminal Neuralgia has also been linked to facial surgeries, facial trauma and stroke. Most of the people who develop Trigeminal Neuralgia tend to be middle-aged or seniors, and a high number of cases develop in women.

How Can Trigeminal Neuralgia Be Treated?

Painkillers are the quickest and cheapest solution in the beginning to alleviate the pain caused by irritation on the Trigeminal Nerve. However, as the effects of painkillers eventually begin to diminish, a more lasting solution is often sought out. For a person experiencing advanced pain, surgery can provide the permanent relief they’re seeking but it can be costly and patients will require downtime to heal.

Here’s where the CyberKnife Radiosurgery system comes in. It’s one of the newest options for treatment, is hyper-precise and modifiable to tackle sensitive and cellular issues like Trigeminal Neuralgia. Most often it requires just one treatment session. The CyberKnife sends hundreds of highly concentrated beams of radiation directly to the Trigeminal Sensory Nerve Root. This interrupts the transmission of pain signals to the brain. With pinpoint precision, there’s minimal radiation exposure to healthy tissue. It’s a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment option with minimal, if any, side effects. Almost instantly, the patient is cured, omitting the need for pain medication or surgery.

Chances are you will get better results with the CyberKnife.

Call the CyberKnife Center of Miami if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment-

(800) 204-0455

Go to our website now-

www.cyberknifemiami.com