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Javery Pain Institute offers neuralgia treatment through nerve block therapy. This procedure is used for trigeminal neuralgia, described by many patients as one of the most painful afflictions known. Trigeminal neuralgia sufferers experience sudden attacks of pain that are typically brief, but severe. Trigeminal neuralgia pain occurs on only one side involving the upper, middle and/or lower portions of the face. Attacks may come on without warning or be triggered by specific light stimulation in the affected area of the face. Common triggers include touch, talking, eating, drinking, chewing, tooth brushing, hair combing, water from a shower and even kissing. There are a number of causes for trigeminal neuralgia, including pressure from blood vessels on the trigeminal nerve, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, or injury to the nerve from head trauma, dental or sinus trauma or from failed procedures that were intended to treat the neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia pain after traumatic injury is usually constant aching or burning, but can also get worse with exposure to wind or cold.
Nerve Block Therapy
A stellate ganglion block works by actually blocking the action of the sympathetic nerves. Successful treatment will result in a reduction of pain and swelling, an increase in blood flow to the arm, and may allow patients to move their arm more easily. Patients who get treatment early during their illness tend to respond better than those who have this treatment after having symptoms longer than six months. Patients in the advanced stages of disease may not respond to treatment at all. If you respond to the first injection, the doctor may recommend repeat injections. Usually, a series of such injections is needed to treat the problem.
A selective nerve root injection delivers steroids or local anesthetic directly into the space where the nerve comes out of the bony spine. The nerve is bathed in the medicine. The injection is given to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for anywhere from several days to several months.
If you’re referring a patient or you suffer from trigeminal neuralgia and are seeking neuralgia treatment, call our Grand Rapids office today to see if this procedure might be right for you.
