Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a condition characterised by sudden, severe, and brief episodes of facial pain. The pain typically occurs on one side of the face and may be triggered by something as light as a gentle touch, speaking, eating, or even a breeze.
Many people describe the sensation as similar to an electric shock. The pain may be sharp, stabbing, shooting, burning, or intensely severe, and is often unlike any other pain previously experienced.
Attacks usually last a few seconds but may occur in rapid succession, creating multiple bursts of pain over several minutes. Episodes can happen without warning, and frequency varies widely — from occasional attacks each month to many episodes throughout the day, depending on the severity of the condition.
For many individuals, Trigeminal Neuralgia is a progressive condition that may worsen over time. While there is currently no guaranteed cure, a range of complementary and supportive treatments are available that may help manage symptoms and provide relief.​
Complementary Approaches for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia
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Acupuncture is a traditional practice that involves the gentle insertion of very fine needles at specific points on the body. For individuals experiencing Trigeminal Neuralgia, acupuncture may be used as a complementary approach to support comfort and relaxation.
Practitioners often target points associated with facial nerves and tension. Acupuncture is believed to help promote circulation, release muscle tension, and encourage a sense of balance in the body. Many people use it alongside conventional medical care as a supportive method to help manage discomfort and enhance overall wellbeing.
Note:
Acupuncture is not a cure for Trigeminal Neuralgia and should not replace advice or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
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Biomagnetism for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Biomagnetism involves the application of magnets, often in paired North (negative) and South (positive) poles, over specific areas of the body. In the context of Trigeminal Neuralgia, magnets may be placed near the areas of sensitivity or along the nerve pathway as a supportive home or clinic technique.
From a biomagnetism perspective, the North (negative) pole is often used to help create a balanced and calming environment in the tissues, which may support relaxation and comfort in sensitive areas. Many people use biomagnetism alongside medical care to help promote a sense of wellbeing.
Biomagnetism is a complementary practice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.
Note:
This therapy should NOT be used by any individual with a PACEMAKER, IMPLANTED DEVICE or PREGANCY.
Symptoms
There are two categories of TN, Primary and Secondary and these are sub-divided into Classical and Idiopathic.
Classical TN
In most cases, Trigeminal Neuralgia is caused by a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve where it enters the brainstem. The ongoing contact and pulsation of the vessel can gradually damage the protective myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve. As this insulation is lost, nerve signals may become disrupted or misdirected, allowing normal sensations such as light touch to trigger pain signals — a process often referred to as “cross-talk” between sensory fibres. This type of nerve compression is the most common cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia.
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Secondary TN
In this form of Trigeminal Neuralgia, there is no obvious compression of the trigeminal nerve, or any compression present is not causing detectable damage. In other words, the cause of the TN symptoms is unknown, which is referred to as idiopathic.
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Causes
Pain attacks in Trigeminal Neuralgia are often trigged by light stimulation, which can irritate the nerve and provoke sudden pain. These triggers include:
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Touching the face
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Brushing your teeth
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Chewing, speaking or smiling
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Breeze or exposure to cold air on the face
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Washing the face or shaving
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Eating or swallowing
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Yawning
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Diagnosis
Identifying the underlying cause of TN (where possible) and correctly classifying the condition is important, particularly when considering treatment options, including surgical interventions.
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Some individuals experience a less intense, lingering pain after the main attack, which may feel aching, burning or different in character. This is sometimes referred to as Type 2 or concomitant pain and can occur alongside any form of Trigeminal Neuralgia.
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Complementary therapies that can help this lingering pain is biomagnetism - using magnets to calm the irritated trigeminal nerve.
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Biomagnetism involves the application of magnets (X-Large/Large), either singually or in pairs (Negative and Positive ) poles, over specific areas of the face. In TN magnets may be placed near the areas of sensitivity or along the nerve pathway as a supportive and home or clinic treatment.