Treatment and diagnostics for abroad

Diagnosis and drug treatment

Diagnosis is difficult, and long-term follow-up may be required to confirm the diagnosis. Patients undergo neurological examination to determine the location of the source of pain, head MRI to identify the causes of neuralgia, and electroneurography (examination of nerve integrity and activity).

At the beginning of the treatment of neuralgia, anticonvulsants are prescribed, which slow down the passage of nerve signals and reduce pain activity.

Minimally invasive treatment of trigeminal neuralgia abroad

When medications stop helping, surgery is prescribed. Microvascular decompression is the main type of surgery for neuralgia. A small hole is made in the skull behind the patient's ear. Scanning the trigeminal nerve through a microscope, the surgeon places several Teflon pads between the nerve and the blood vessels compressing it (if necessary, some vessels are removed).

Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia abroad includes percutaneous and non-invasive methods such as rhizotomy, radiosurgery with a Gamma knife and electrode implantation.

Percutaneous rhizotomy

During the procedure, a hollow needle passes through the cheek and goes to the trigeminal nerve. Then an electric current is conducted through it, an injection of glycerin or an air balloon is injected, which destroy the nerve fibers.

Stereotactic radiosurgery

A non-invasive procedure using a Gamma knife or a Cyber knife is performed on an outpatient basis. Highly focused beams of radiation are directed to the area where the trigeminal nerve exits the brainstem. Radiation affects a nerve site, disrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Due to the slow death of cells, optimal relief of symptoms can occur after a few months.

Implantation of the electrode

Directing tiny electrical impulses to the nerve in some cases provides pain relief. During the procedure, the surgeon injects a local anesthetic and places a small electrode under the skin, which connects to an external stimulator. If the pain does not appear for several days, the surgeon replaces the temporary implant with a permanent one.

Alternative methods

Hospitals in China specialize in treating neuralgia using traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, herbal medicines, acupressure, and more. Some patients benefit from injections of vitamin B12 or botox.