Expert insights from Dr. Vijaymahantesh Pujari, leading neurosurgeon in Hubli & Dharwad, Karnataka

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is one of the most excruciating nerve conditions known to medicine, often described by patients as sudden, stabbing pain that feels like an electric shock on one side of the face. This condition affects the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) — the major nerve responsible for facial sensation — and typically targets areas around the jaw, cheek, or eye.

 

⚡ What Does Trigeminal Neuralgia Feel Like?

 

The hallmark of TN is unilateral, sharp facial pain that comes without warning. The pain episodes:

• Last from a few seconds to a few minutes
• Occur in clusters, sometimes several times a day
• Are often triggered by simple, everyday activities like:

     1. Touching or washing the face

     2. Chewing

     3. Brushing teeth

     4. Speaking

     5. Cold air or wind exposure

This condition can be severely disabling, causing intense discomfort and impacting quality of life.

 

🧠 What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?

 

Trigeminal neuralgia arises due to irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve. Common causes include:

 

1. Neurovascular Compression

The most frequent cause: a blood vessel presses on the trigeminal nerve near its origin in the brainstem, leading to nerve malfunction.

 

2. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS causes demyelination (loss of protective nerve covering), which may affect the trigeminal nerve pathways.

 

3. Tumors

Though rare, tumors in the brain or skull base may compress the trigeminal nerve.

 

4. Idiopathic TN

In some patients, no specific cause can be found, and the condition is termed "idiopathic."

 

🩺 How Is It Diagnosed?

 

At Dr. Vijaymahantesh Pujari’s Neurosurgical Center in Hubli, the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is done with precision, combining:

• Detailed clinical history
• Physical and neurological examination
• MRI scans – essential to:

     1. Identify neurovascular compression

     2. Rule out conditions like multiple sclerosis or tumors

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to effective management and long-term relief.

 

💊 Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and response to medications. Options include:

 

1. Medications

 

Often the first line of treatment:

• Carbamazepine – Gold standard, highly effective in most cases
• Other options: Oxcarbazepine, Gabapentin, Baclofen, Phenytoin
• Tricyclic antidepressants – Useful for atypical facial pain

Regular follow-up with a neurosurgeon is important to monitor side effects and adjust doses.

 

2. Advanced Surgical Procedures

 

When medications fail or side effects are intolerable, surgical options offer hope:

 

✅ Microvascular Decompression (MVD)

Performed by expert neurosurgeons like Dr. Vijaymahantesh Pujari in Karnataka, this procedure gently moves the blood vessel away from the nerve, relieving pressure without damaging the nerve.

✅ Radiofrequency Ablation

A minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to destroy specific nerve fibers transmitting pain.

✅ Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

A non-invasive radiation treatment that targets the nerve root with high precision — ideal for patients who are not surgical candidates.

 

👨‍⚕️ Why Choose Dr. Vijaymahantesh Pujari for Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment?

 

As one of the best neurosurgeons in Hubli and Dharwad, Karnataka, Dr. Vijaymahantesh Pujari brings vast experience in treating facial pain conditions like TN. Patients from across India seek his expertise for:

• Advanced diagnostic approach
• Precision in performing MVD and nerve ablation techniques
• Personalized care and comprehensive follow-up

Whether you’re facing sharp facial pain or have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, timely consultation with a skilled neurosurgeon can make all the difference.

 

📍Serving Hubli, Dharwad & North Karnataka

Located in the heart of Karnataka, Dr. Vijaymahantesh’s clinic provides world-class neurosurgical care for conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, disc problems, brain tumors, and more.

 

📞 Book Your Consultation Today

Don’t let facial pain disrupt your life. Early diagnosis and expert treatment are just a step away.
Consult Dr. Vijaymahantesh Pujari – Trusted Neurosurgeon in Hubli, Dharwad, Karnataka.