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What a nerve on the face. Trigeminal neuralgia: symptoms and treatment

In some, the disease begins to manifest itself spontaneously and for no reason. While in others, the trigeminal nerve is sore, for example, after a car accident, after dental treatment or a strong blow to the face. Nevertheless, doctors believe that such patients had already developed pathology, and dental treatment was only the impetus for the occurrence of pain.

Symptoms of development of inflammation of the trigeminal facial nerve

A person suffering from inflammation, is experiencing very strong pain. The term "trigeminal neuralgia" is also used to refer to the concept. It is considered a cyclical disease. For someone, the cyclical nature of the symptoms is observed only once a day, while for others every hour. The pain can reach its peak in twenty seconds and lasts some more time.

Often, the symptoms of the disease begin to appear in the lower or upper jaw, which leads patients astray, supposedly these pains are associated with the teeth. However, after tooth treatment, the pain does not go away. Pains during inflammation are typical and atypical. Typical signs of inflammation of the nerve are characterized by the fact that there are periods of remission in the course of the disease. Such pains are shooting and usually occur when you touch the affected areas of the face. In turn, atypical pain is constant, without any periods of remission, and most often covers the more extensive part of the face. Treating a disease with atypical pain is much more difficult.

The most painful and unbearable are the pains that occur when the trigeminal nerve is damaged due to the onset of a cold and they usually affect only one part of the face. Moreover, the pain may be short and cutting, and if you have a seizure, then a tick may well begin. Pain can be greatly exacerbated immediately after itching or burning begins. It is worth noting that the most severe pain can be expressed in the area of the lips, cheeks, gums, neck, teeth and near the eyes. Often, the painful symptoms of the trigeminal nerve may be accompanied by a smacking of the jaw or an intense movement of the jaw, and this lasts no more than a few minutes.

When a person begins an attack of the trigeminal nerve, then at this time he simply cannot move and by all means tries to make the pain less severe. All the muscles responsible for facial expressions can twitch, and the patient rubs the sore area, while chewing, talking, although the mouth opens very badly.

Often the pain symptom disappears for a while, but it may soon make itself felt again. There are also cases when painful sensations and do not pass at all. As a rule, this type of inflammation manifests itself in the elderly and mostly in women.

Differential signs of inflammatory diseases of the trigeminal nerve

There are a number of other diseases that are similar in symptoms to trigeminal inflammation. facial nerve. Some of them are:

neuralgia of the occipital nerve,

tendonitis

and Ernest syndrome.

In occipital neuralgia, the pain is located behind and in front of the head and can spread to the face area. When temporal tendinitis hurts cheeks and teeth, as well as the head and neck. And Ernest's syndrome can be observed in case of damage to the stylomandibular ligament connecting the lower jaw with the base of the skull.

How to treat the trigeminal facial nerve inflammation with traditional methods?

Despite the fact that in many cases such inflammation is incurable, nowadays there are methods that significantly relieve pain. First of all, anticonvulsants are used at the onset of the disease.

We must also remember about the preservation of heat in the area of inflammation. In no case do not allow hypothermia, the slightest hypothermia, wind and frost, can provoke a new inflammation.

If you have begun treating the trigeminal nerve, it is important that you and your doctor are persistent and believe that you can recover. The main thing is not to fall into despair, and then this disease can be overcome quite easily.

When ineffective drug treatment, complications and side effects Surgical treatment methods are used. Folk remedies will help alleviate the condition of the patient and often guarantee complete healing.

Methods of treatment of trigeminal inflammation

When painful attacks or the first symptoms of neuralgia are prescribed, Carbamazepine (Finlepsin) is administered orally at 0.05 g with an increase in dose to 0.2 g, tranquilizers (trioxazine at 0.3 g 3 times a day, seduxen at 0.005 g 2–3 times a day ), antihistamines (Diprazin, Pipolfen, 0.025 g, 2–3 times a day; Diphenol, 0.03 g, 3 times a day) in combination with B vitamins and nicotinic acid. Patients with inflammation of the trigeminal facial nerve need to create a protective mode, protecting them from cooling and drafts. Feed patients need a little warm, well-grated food.

Unfortunately, it is often impossible to cure neuralgia. And in the power of doctors, only to alleviate the suffering of the patient, reducing pain. Of course, this is not always the case. In some cases, inflammation is successfully treated with drugs, herbal dietary supplements (dietary supplements), or surgery.

One of the most effective and modern methods treatment of inflammation is considered to be epidural neurostimulation of the cerebral cortex. The procedure takes place under general anesthesia. On the electrode installed between the vertebrae, a current is conducted. This method of treating inflammation of the trigeminal nerve eliminates pain for a long time.

Causes of trigeminal neuralgia

As a rule, the causes of inflammation are a great variety. For example, before inflammation of the trigeminal nerve manifests itself, there is always a disturbance in the endocrine system, the metabolic process, allergies and other problems with the vessels, and so on. Most often, such inflammations occur due to compression of the trigeminal nerve inside and outside the skull box. This situation may occur due to the appearance and growth of tumors, the creation of adhesions as a result of injuries received, if there is expansion, displacement of the veins and arteries in the cerebellum.

It is worth noting that the nucleus of this nerve is located in the spinal cord and directly in this place and the signal comes from the inflamed area. The disease can progress depending on the increase in activation of this nerve, and severe pains can affect the system and the head and face at the same time.

Many experts believe that inflammation can manifest itself only in old age, since it is during this period that various pathological processes become more acute.

Factors provoking inflammatory diseases trigeminal nerve

Currently, there are provoking factors that can cause an attack:

eating food;

use when washing cold and hot water;

shaving process and simple talk.

some patients note that if the trigeminal nerve is inflamed, even the slightest touch on a point on the face near the lips or eyes can cause such attacks.

A variety of factors can trigger a painful attack: washing, brushing your teeth, shaving, makeup, smiling, hitting or light touch, etc. Inflammation can occur on the background catarrhal diseases, severe fatigue, stress, and therefore it can occur in people at a young age. In general, there are a lot of reasons why this disease begins.

Eye pain can occur with many different diseases. At the same time, constancy, intensity and other features of pain can vary. The spectrum of pathologies in which pain occurs in the eye is huge, so it is important to know what kind of disease is this eye pain.

One of the diseases that produce the most severe pain in the eye is the inflammation of the trigeminal nerve.

What is the trigeminal nerve and inflammation of the trigeminal nerve?

It is a three branches, emanating from the brain stem and emerging from the skull through three holes. The branches reach the surface of the face and innervate it, that is, they supply nerves and provide communication with the central nervous system.

The first branch comes out through two symmetrical points just above the eyebrows. The second branch exits through the points in the cheek area on both sides of the nose just below the eye level. The third branch goes in the area lower jaw - from the corners of the mouth to the center.

Inflammation of the trigeminal nerve carries the official trigeminal nerve. In cases of such inflammation, pain occurs on the affected side of the face, having a jerking character and radiating, among other things, to the eye area. In this case, the pain can be so intense that it becomes unbearable. It is difficult to describe in words the pain that results from this inflammation - it is so strong.

How does pain manifest?

The pain is usually of a spontaneous nature, one-sided, jerking or shooting, similar to electrical discharges. I must say that the pain does not penetrate deeply. Sometimes the pain is superficial and moderate, but less often. The pain usually lasts no longer than two minutes, but patients have the feeling that it lasts for ages. However, pain is also extremely difficult because pain attacks appear several times during the day. Between attacks there can be long periods of relative rest - several weeks or even several months.

The spread and localization of pain corresponds to the areas of innervation of the nerve branches - one or two. The eye is innervated by the first branch of the trigeminal nerve, that is, the first branch is the region of the orbital nerve. The pain gives to the temple, forehead, eyes. In the area of the second branch (maxillary nerve), pain gives to the upper lip, upper jaw, upper teeth, and also to the cheek just below the eye. In the zone of the third branch (mandibular nerve) pain gives to the lower lip, lower jaw, lower teeth.

Often, the patients themselves are aware of the factors that can provoke the occurrence of pain - washing, light touch, brushing your teeth, eating, shaving, even just talking or smiling. Therefore, often such patients, fearing the appearance of pain, avoid talking, eating, etc., significantly worsening their lives in this way.

The nervous system can be divided into two sections - peripheral and central. The brain and spinal cord are referred to the central one, the nerves of the back and head are connected directly to the central nervous system and constitute the peripheral section. Nerve impulses from all parts of the body are transmitted through the central nervous system to the brain, and feedback is also carried out.

Anatomy of the trigeminal nerve

In humans, twelve pairs of cranial nerves. The trigeminal nerve system is the fifth pair and is divided into three branches, each of which is directed to a specific area - the forehead, lower jaw and upper. The main branches are divided into smaller ones, which are responsible for transmitting signals to parts of the face. The anatomy of the ternary nerve looks like a system of nerve endings, which originates from the pons. Sensory and motor roots form the main trunk, directed to the temporal bone. The arrangement of the branches is as follows:

orbital
branch of the upper jaw;
mandibular;
node of the trigeminal nerve.

With the help of these branches, the impulses are transmitted from the nose, eyes, oral mucosa and skin to the main nerve trunk.

Where is the nerve: the layout on the face

Originating in the cerebellum, the trigeminal nerve has many small branches. They, in turn, connect all the muscles of the face and the parts of the brain responsible for them. Control various functions and reflexes are performed using a close connection with the spinal cord. The trigeminal nerve is located in the temporal region - from the main branch in the temple area smaller branching terminations diverge. The branch point is called the trigeminal node. All small branches connect the organs of the anterior part of the head (gums, teeth, tongue, mucous membranes of the nasal and oral cavities, temples, eyes) with the brain. The location of the nodes of the trigeminal nerve on the face is shown in the photo.

Facial Nerve Functions

Sensory sensations are provided by impulses that transmit nerve endings. Thanks to the fibers nervous system a person is able to feel touches, feel the difference in ambient temperatures, control facial expressions, make various movements with his lips, jaws, eyeballs.

If we consider in more detail what the trigeminal nerve system is, you can see the following picture. The anatomy of the trigeminal nerve is represented by three main branches, which are further divided into smaller ones:

Neuralgia, as the main pathology of the nerve

What is trigeminal inflammation? Neuralgia, or as it is also called, facial neuralgia, refers to the development of inflammatory processes of the trigeminal nerve tissue.

The causes of pathological processes affecting the branches and branches of the trigeminal nerve can be viral and bacterial diseasessuch as herpes, polio, HIV, sinusitis, diseases of upper respiratory tract.

The exact factors for the occurrence of pathology have not yet been studied, although the main causes of the disease are known:

infectious diseases that provoke the formation of adhesive processes in the tissues;
education on the skin, on the temporal and jaw joints scarring due to injury;
the development of tumors at the points of passage of nerve branches;
congenital defects in the location and structure of cerebral vessels or cranial bones;
multiple sclerosis, which leads to partial replacement of nerve cells by connective tissue;
spinal pathologies (for example, osteochondrosis), causing an increase in intracranial pressure;
violation of the blood vessels of the head.

Symptoms of inflammation

The inflammatory process of the branches of the trigeminal nerve affects the nerve fibers individually or somewhat together; pathology can affect the entire branch or just its sheath. The facial muscles become excessively sensitive and react even to a light touch or movement with bouts of burning acute pain. Common symptoms of inflammation of the trigeminal facial nerve are:

exacerbation of pain and an increase in attacks in the cold season;
seizures most often begin suddenly and last from two to three to thirty seconds;
pain occurs in response to various stimuli (brushing teeth, chewing movements, touching);
the frequency of attacks can be the most unpredictable - from one to two a day until the appearance of severe pain every 15 minutes;
a gradual increase in pain and increased occurrence of seizures.

Unilateral inflammation of the trigeminal nerve is most often noted. With the rapid growth of wisdom teeth, there is pressure on nearby tissues, the result may be neuralgia. There is involuntary excessive salivation, the secretion of mucus from the sinuses, convulsive contractions of the facial muscles. Patients try to avoid eating or talking, so as not to provoke the beginning of the next attack. In some cases, it is preceded by a feeling of numbness and tingling of the facial muscles, paresthesia occurs.

Complications

If you ignore the signs of the onset of the trigeminal disease, over time you can get a number of complications:

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of inflammation of the trigeminal nerve is carried out by a specialist and includes anamnesis and examination with assessment of the localization of pain. According to the results of the initial examination, the doctor decides on the need for a comprehensive examination, directing the patient to undergo computer diagnostics and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Electroneuromyography or electroneurography may be prescribed. It is recommended to receive consultations from an ENT specialist, a dentist and a surgeon.

The importance of the frequency of occurrence of attacks, as well as actions, focus and strength of their provoking. The place where the main nerve passes plays the most important role. Examination is carried out by a doctor during remission and during exacerbation. This is done to more accurately determine the condition of the trigeminal, dental and other facial nerves, which particular branches of the trigeminal nerve are affected to a greater degree. An important factor is the assessment of the mental state of the patient, the condition of the skin, the presence or absence of muscle cramps, pulse and blood pressure readings. Neuralgia can trigger painful and traumatic wisdom tooth extraction.

Ways to treat neuralgia

For a successful treatment of trigeminal inflammation, a comprehensive, integrated approach should be applied. It is necessary not only to eliminate the symptoms, but also to get rid of the factors that provoked the onset of pathology. The complex of measures includes treatment with medication, massotherapy and a course of physiotherapy.

Therapy drugs involves the holding of the blockade - intramuscular injections, reducing muscle spasm.
In the viral nature of the inflammation of the trigeminal nerve, antiviral tablets are prescribed.
To reduce discomfort and relieve pain, the doctor prescribes painkillers.
The complex of drug therapy includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that affect the process of inflammation.
Anticonvulsant pills, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, antidepressants and sedatives are used to relieve convulsive syndrome and other unpleasant sensations.
We must not forget about the support of immunity, weakened by the disease and the central nervous system. It is necessary to take a complex of vitamins, special attention is paid to the vitamins of group B, which have a strengthening effect on the nervous system.

The course of physiotherapy is carried out using the following procedures:

With the help of magnetic fields and high-frequency currents, the blood circulation function is restored, muscles are relaxed. The use of drug electrophoresis in the fight against inflammation of the trigeminal nerve has proven itself well.

In addition to physiotherapy and drug therapy The specialist may decide that a therapeutic massage is necessary. The course of massage provides an opportunity to return the lost tone to the muscles and achieve their maximum relaxation. The course of massage for inflammation of the trigeminal nerve consists of 14-18 procedures that should be carried out every day.

Traditional medicine offers its own methods of treatment in case of inflammation. Inflamed triple (ternary) ganglion causes the patient not only discomfort, but may also lead to the development of various complications. The scheme of treatment of folk remedies is the use of compresses, rubbing, medical applications on the affected area. It is not recommended to heat the trifoliate inflamed area, therefore all agents should be cooled to room temperature before use. Warming up is recommended only in remission. To do this, heat the salt in a tissue bag and impose on the site of inflammation.

For the preparation of therapeutic agents use fir oil, Althea root, camomile flowers. If dental chewing muscles are inflamed, during remission, the method of treatment with chicken eggs is used. It should be understood that the treatment of serious diseases should be under the supervision of a specialist, the use of traditional medicine possibly as an auxiliary method.

The structure of the trigeminal nerve consists of three branches, they go on the sides of the nose, above the eyebrows and under the lower jaw. The function of such a nerve is very responsible - to control the facial neurological condition. As it becomes clear, the violation of such an important function is a serious problem, so it is necessary to study what can cause inflammatory processes of the trigeminal nerve and how to cope with such an illness as effectively as possible. And it is also very important how well you can resist the disease if treated at home. It should be noted that trigeminal facial pain can occur in almost all people.

It should be noted that most often the pain affects only one facial part, but cases when both sides of the face are affected are not uncommon.

What are the causes of the inflammatory process?

Despite the colossal successes of modern medical science, today it is simply impossible to clearly say what exactly leads to such a pathological condition. But there are certain factors that, undoubtedly, can become a reason for the development of the inflammatory process and they should be described in more detail about these factors:

if a person's face is very cool. And do not think, like many, that a strong hypothermia on a person can be obtained only while being in a hard frost or in a cold wind. Sometimes it is enough just to wash with cold water. However, most often it threatens those people who prefer even strong frost not to wear a warm hat. And this is where such frivolity can lead;
the person was injured (here we can talk about anything - about falling, blunt-type punches, severe bruises etc.). All this may well become a catalyst for the inflammatory process;
if a person has a vascular aneurysm or a certain pathology caused by oncology, then this can also cause nerve squeezing, which will cause inflammation;
if there are inflammatory processes different types at oral cavitythen they can easily contribute to the development of the infection all over the face. Here, pulpitis, nasal sinus ailments and periodontitis are the causes of neuralgia in most cases;
the cause may be meningitis;
if a person has irregularities in the bite of the teeth, then the nerves can be distorted and transferred, which makes them extremely susceptible to inflammation. Also, the cause may be an incorrectly placed seal:
the cause may be multiple sclerosis, which is not treated;
the presence of herpes, especially if it is acute. Here, anti-herpes remedies have a good effect;
the brain was subject to concussion;
the human body is affected by various viral or bacterial ailments;
there are diseases of the respiratory type;
in a human body the metabolism is broken;
a lot of cholesterol type plaques accumulated on the vessel walls.

It should be noted that an acute attack of neuralgia occurs absolutely unexpectedly (that is, a person can shave, laugh, eat, just lead a conversation). If we talk about the age category of people who are most often prone to such a disease, then here people aged 50 to 60 years. Moreover, the overwhelming number of such people have cardiovascular afflictions.

Symptoms of inflammation of the trigeminal facial nerve

It should be immediately noted that the inflammation of the trigeminal nerve has very different symptoms, but there are signs of a general nature that everyone should be aware of:

Undoubtedly, the most basic symptom of such a disease are pain sensations. Moreover, the pain can be very strong, its localization can be in the neck, lower jaw, eyes, and not infrequently it gives to the whole face. When a person talks the pain becomes stronger, the same can be said if the person eats or is in the cold air. One of the most remarkable features of pain during this illness is that they can not be removed using standard medication painkillers.

It must also be said that with neuralgia, pain can be of a different type, namely, typical and atypical. If a person is affected by typical pain, then the pain syndrome has a wave-like character, that is, it then subsides and then rises sharply again. Such discomfort can be burning, shooting and throbbing. If we talk about such factors as the frequency of manifestation, then everything can be different. There are people who experience pain every hour, while others suffer only a couple of times a day. So once again I must say that the symptoms of inflammation of the trigeminal nerve on the face may be different, much depends not only on the course of the disease itself, but also on the individual characteristics of the human body.

If we talk about painful sensations of an atypical type, then everything appears much less frequently. If we talk about the nature of pain, then it is aching, and such negative feelings can torment a person in a monotonous mode for several hours. It should be noted here that it is much more difficult to cope with this type of pain.

If we talk about other signs, they are:

human eyelids turn red and swell;
tears flow for no reason;
saliva is secreted in large quantities;
facial muscles are reduced, and this phenomenon is completely involuntary;
face skin gradually loses its sensitivity;
mouth tastes tasteless;
muscle spasms are observed;
a person is very anxious when he expects new pain attacks;
as a result of the fact that the muscles are twisted, one can observe facial asymmetry;
pain may appear completely unexpectedly, sharply, like an electric shock;
face becomes more sensitive;
cheeks and nose are numb;
body temperature rises;
that part of the face that is affected is covered with a rash;
constantly headache;
a person constantly feels a sense of weakness;
beats chills, even when it is hot or indoors.

Symptoms and treatment of such a disease must be determined and carried out by a doctor, otherwise there may be negative consequences.

Consequences of this disease

Many people treat such a disease frivolously, considering that the pain itself will soon pass away, well, a nerve has inflamed, nothing terrible. However, such neuralgia can be very dangerous and must be treated promptly. If this is not done, then due to the inflamed ternary nerve there can be serious complications, namely:

a person's hearing is impaired;
taste becomes different;
there may be pain that is chronic and extremely difficult to deal with;
facial muscles may be paresis;
facial muscles may be atrophied;
the nervous system may be affected;
the functionality of the central nervous system is deteriorating as a person becomes withdrawn and irritable due to constant pain;
sleep becomes bad, even if a person is very tired, he cannot fully sleep well.

With nervous diseases you need to be careful, it can be danger signso do not hesitate, we must take action.

Diagnosis of ailment

In order to properly diagnose the disease, it is necessary to consult a specialist in time for him to evaluate the pain syndrome and conduct a neurological examination. The diagnosis can be based on the patient's complaints, here the specialist is determined with the type of pain syndrome, its triggers.

To determine the location of the lesion, the physician usually uses the method of palpation. However, diagnostic methods using special tools have become widespread:

1. Magnetic resonance tomography - informational content differs if sclerosis or a specific tumor is the cause.

2. Antiography - here you can identify the vessels of the extended type, brain aneurysm, which squeeze the nerve.

After the diagnosis is confirmed, before treating the facial nerve itself, it is necessary to eliminate the causes that caused it. To do this, you must assign tests and conduct appropriate examinations. The doctor’s actions are:

inflammation in the sinuses is eliminated (if they occur);
if the gums find the process of inflammation, then everything must be done to stop it;
when pulpitis is detected, it is necessary to remove the nerve of the tooth that is affected, and fill the root canals with a filling material;
with the help of X-rays, it can be determined that the seal was not installed properly, then it needs to be removed and re-installed, only this time correctly.

How to treat trigeminal inflammation at home

It is possible to treat such ailment not only with medical means, but also with proven folk methods. For the treatment of widespread acquired special massage. If done correctly, he is able to quickly get rid of pain and alleviate the tension of the muscles in the lesions. And still massage promotes blood circulation improvement, fights against inflammatory processes and facial edemas.

I must say that there is nothing particularly difficult in the massage technique: a person must sit down and lay his head so that his facial muscles relax. Then you need to make light movements of a circular type in those places that are affected. Moreover, this is done in such a way that movements gradually increase and pressure on the skin becomes stronger. If we talk about time, then this procedure should not exceed 20 minutes. It is enough to do such a wellness massage twice a day for a couple of weeks, there should be an improvement.

To enhance the effect during a massage, oil and creams can be applied to the face, which moisturize the skin. Then the tissues become more elastic and the treatment of inflammation will succeed.

Very well proven in the treatment facial neuralgia blockade using alcohol. They perfectly remove pain, in addition, there is an effect of antispasmodic type. This is not difficult to do: an 80% alcohol solution and novocaine are used. It should be borne in mind that, despite the positive effect, such alcohol blockades can cause bleeding, so it is strongly recommended to carry them out under the supervision of a specialist.

What not to do with facial neuralgia

Some people, with the appearance of such pathology, begin to resort to such procedures, which not only do not improve the human condition, but can also lead to complications. So that can not be done in any case:

warming the face with a heating pad is impossible, as well as using a warm compress (according to at least for a long time). The fact is that such actions contribute to the strengthening of the edema and inflammatory process;
apply ice to face for a long time not worth it, because the sensitivity of the skin can suffer greatly and blood circulation will be impaired;
concerning drugs - You can not take them uncontrollably, you must first consult with your doctor. This is especially true when it comes to injections.

It is necessary to treat the inflammation of the trigeminal nerve properly, otherwise the inflammation of the trigeminal facial nerve may intensify and progress.

On some features of the treatment of facial neuralgia at home

Recipes for traditional medicine to get rid of this disease are many, they have been used for decades. It is worth detailing those recipes that act in a positive way as quickly as possible:

you can use oil of fir and olive. These oils should be mixed, and the ratio should be 1 to 5, then this mixture is rubbed into the skin of the face for three days;
used conventional pharmacy chamomile. Enough a tablespoon of such funds, which should be poured a glass of boiling water, and then everything should stand for an hour. Then the solution is collected in the mouth and it must be kept there for about 5 minutes. Such a tool helps well with inflammatory processes and edema. It also fights pain well;
buckwheat is taken, which should be roasted in a skillet, and then, when it has cooled slightly, put it in a bag of cloth. Such a bag of buckwheat should be applied to the affected places daily for 10 minutes. Such a means is very effective, but only when the ailment has just begun to show itself, if it is already progressing, then other means should be used;
if you rub black spot radish on the affected areas on your face, it will be noticeably better;
make a compress from cabbage leaves and honey. Such a compress is applied to the face at night, an excellent decongestant and fights well with pain;
as soon as the attack of pain passed, the face was rubbed with small ice pieces. And then massage your face with warm hands, then the next painful attack may not be;
a mixture of vodka and almond oil helps perfectly, if it is to rub the face with pain, the painful sensations are effectively removed. Especially this folk remedy It helps well when it comes to acute inflammatory process;
white cosmetic clay and vinegar are taken, everything is mixed, after which this mixture is used to make small plates. They are applied to the face for 3 days in a row;
take a few dates, finely chop, mix with fresh milk. This mass should be eaten a week. In case of muscle paralysis, it helps perfectly, and yet such a remedy is simply tasty and healthy.

It is very important to know that before using any folk remedy, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Of course, such tools can effectively help, however, if during the week a person did not feel better, it makes sense to turn to traditional treatment methods.

Drug therapy involves the use of various drugs that have an analgesic effect, antispasmodics, as well as drugs that contribute to the improvement of the nervous system of the patient. But all this should be under the supervision of the attending physician, then the inflamed nerve will be cured.

The most common cause of facial and headache is inflammation of the nerve on the head. Neuritis of the occipital and trigeminal nerves bring patients the greatest discomfort. Shooting pain in the back of the head, paroxysmal sensation of discharge of current in the face, teeth are all symptoms of neuralgia and an indispensable reason for seeking medical attention. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consider trigeminal neuralgia in more detail.

Why is the trigeminal nerve inflamed?

So far there is no single opinion on the causes of trigeminal neuritis. Sometimes you can find a relationship between inflammation and the disease that caused it. In other cases, the cause can not be found. Among the main factors are such.

Viral infections. Moreover, almost any virus can cause this disease. Common cause herpes viruses are considered. The leader among the diseases is shingles.
Local and general hypothermia. Stay in a draft or other low temperature effects on the face.
Reducing the overall immunity of the body contributes to the activation of viruses and other harmful microbes.
Strong stress factors or excessive exercise.
Common infections if they are severe.
Poor nutrition, which also reduces immunity.
Compression of the trigeminal nerve by a tumor of the head.
Infection from carious teeth.
Chronic disease (tuberculosis).
Sinusitis
Metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus.
Neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis).

Although these reasons are fundamental, it is not always possible to find a reliable one.

Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia

Symptoms of inflammation of the trigeminal nerve are usually associated with its compression. At the beginning of the disease the pain is not obvious, it does not last long. Further, it gradually grows, it becomes more and more pronounced and tangible, and as the disease progresses, painful bouts of pain in the face appear.

Common symptoms of trigeminal neuritis:

the pain is excruciating, shooting character, reminds discharge by electricity;
attacks of pain in a few seconds, minutes;
pain is localized in the lower jaw, gums, cheeks, gives to the forehead and eyes;
it hurts, as a rule, one half of the face;
an attack of pain stretches from several days to a crescent, and sometimes months;
the frequency of attacks is different: from rare and occasional, up to several dozen per day;
there is a period of improvement between attacks;
during cold weather, the disease is exacerbated;
seizures as they deteriorate more and more frequently.

In addition, neurologists will identify the so-called trigger factors. These causes provoke an attack of pain:

Doctor examination

To diagnose and select the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia on the head should be done by a neuropathologist. When there are symptoms of this disease, the doctor will collect a history and description of the pain: the intensity, in which place of the face it appears, the duration and the reasons that cause. Also, the doctor will do a palpation of the face and reveal the affected branch.

You may need to get an MRI of the head. This examination helps in the diagnosis. With it, the doctor will identify (rule out) a tumor in the head or on the face that squeezes the nerve.

Conservative treatment

To reduce pain, the drug of choice is Carbamazepine. The drug has its own characteristics, so only the doctor selects the dosage. The treatment is long, but after a few days there is an improvement. Pick up a dose at which the patient does not hurt to chew and talk for more than a month, and then gradually reduced. The treatment lasts until the attacks cease within 6 months.

If herpes is the cause, antiviral medications are prescribed. The gold standard is the drug Acyclovir or its analogues (Lavomax, Gerpevir).

For anesthesia using anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Analgin, Ketalgin, Ketanov). In the case of severe pain Temporarily prescribed narcotic analgesics Tramadol, Promedol and others.

To reduce inflammation, relieve swelling and muscle spasm, drugs that have a quick effect are used: Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone, Mydocalm.

In order to strengthen the general immunity and speed up recovery, vitamins are prescribed: group B, Milgamma, Neyrorubin, Neurovitan, nicotinic acid.

Physiotherapy

In the complex therapy of neuritis physiotherapy treatment is used. Physiotherapy reduces the symptoms of the disease. Apply the following methods:

electrophoresis with analgesics, vasodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs;
in the acute period, heat is used - UV irradiation, lamp Solux;
paraffin baths;
laser therapy;
ultrasound therapy;
SMT therapy (amplipulse);
short pulse electroanalgesia.

These methods reduce pain, improve the blood supply to the nerves, accelerate healing, and normalize the function of neuromuscular fibers.

Surgery

If there is no result from conservative treatment or the symptoms remain, surgical methods are used to solve the problem.

Microvascular decompression - the operation, removal or discharge of blood vessels that compress the nerve. A small incision is made behind the ear, and vessels are removed from the nerve. The method is quite effective, but has the risk of hearing loss, numbness and weakness of the facial muscles. A serious complication can be a stroke.

Rhizotomy and balloon compression. Using the first operation, the trigeminal nerve is dissected through a small skin incision behind the ear. In the second method, a specific inflatable capacity is introduced using a flexible catheter, which destroys the nerve. These methods remove the symptoms for a specific period. Among the side effects of temporary numbness and weakness of the muscles of the face.

Injection of glycerol under the control of MRI: sterile glycerin is injected through the oval opening of the head with a needle. After a few hours, the trigeminal nerve partially collapses, impulses are blocked and relief comes. Duration of anesthesia from 2 to 5 years.

Alcohol blockades are made in the area of the inflamed part of the trigeminal nerve. The procedure has a freezing effect. This brings temporary relief. It has a pronounced, but short-lasting analgesic effect, which is the main drawback.

Modern methods of treatment

Progressive methods of treating trigeminal neuralgia are operations using gamma and cyber knife. With this treatment, the patient does not need to do a direct surgical intervention. Anesthesia is not required, the result is the highest. The procedure is safe, and the recovery is comfortable and fast. Serious deterioration does not happen, and treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis.

The gamma knife is a special helmet with a cobalt radioisotope that produces gamma radiation. A special frame of radiation is directed precisely to the affected part of the trigeminal nerve, without irradiating healthy areas. A low dose of radiation destroys the affected trigeminal nerve and has a healing effect.

The cyber-knife is also a concentrated irradiation of the inflammation site, but the helmet is not used. A special head emits a low dose of radiation, changing its position relative to the head. But it still irradiates only the right place.

Conclusion

Inflammation of the trigeminal nerve is a serious disease, the symptoms of which bring severe discomfort to the patient. Delay his treatment can not be, you should go to the doctor who will prescribe the appropriate examination. The appearance of attacks of facial pain, which arise from touch, hygienic procedures or just during a conversation - may indicate the presence of this disease.