What are the treatments for trigeminal neuralgia ? Below are 7 treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia, including medication, surgery, and alternative therapies.

• Self-care — Self-care for trigeminal neuralgia mainly involves knowing and avoiding your TN triggers. Triggers may include touching your face, eating on one side of your mouth, and stressful situations.
• Chiropractic care — Recent case reports show that chiropractic care can help with trigeminal neuralgia. It makes sense since the trigeminal nerve travels through the upper spine , making spinal misalignment a common cause of trigeminal irritation. Upper cervical chiropractors are qualified to address this underlying cause and help reverse TN.
• Medication — Conventional doctors typically prescribe anticonvulsants or muscle relaxants to block trigeminal pain. The first-line treatment has been carbamazepine for decades, even though it is dangerous for some. This does not treat the root cause of TN but does mask the symptoms.
• Botox — Your doctor may prescribe botox injections. Botulinum toxin A is a safe, effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, with maximum efficacy “noticed between 6 weeks and 3 months after the procedure.” This is a commonly prescribed treatment, but we recommended it as a last resort.
• Acupuncture — Acupuncture can treat trigeminal neuralgia. This 2021 scientific review concludes that acupuncture is more effective, safer, and less costly than medication- or surgery-based treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.
• Microvascular decompression — This surgical procedure involves relocating or removing blood vessels that may irritate the trigeminal nerve. During microvascular decompression, your surgeon may place a cushion between the nerve and the blood vessels. It is safe for the elderly. Potential side effects of microvascular decompression include facial numbness or weakness, reduced hearing, or, in very rare cases, a stroke. This is a good option for people who haven’t responded to less invasive treatments, and has MRI evidence that you’re a candidate for this procedure, many TN patients are not.
• Neurectomy — If other options aren’t working, a neurosurgeon may remove the trigeminal nerve or cut out part of the nerve to eliminate the nerve pain signals. The partial or complete removal of any nerve is called a neurectomy. This is a viable option as well, but is recommended as an absolute last resort.
• Rhizotomy — Your healthcare provider may recommend a rhizotomy , in which a surgeon destroys nerve fibers to dull the pain. Rhizotomy can be achieved via a glycerol injection into your trigeminal nerve, balloon compression of the nerve, or radiofrequency thermal lesioning (heat damaging). This procedure is recommended as a last resort option.