Facial Neuralgia Treatment by Dr. Arora | Dental Park

Facial Neuralgia Treatment at Dental Park by Dr. Aakash Arora

Facial neuralgia is a debilitating condition characterized by severe, shooting pain in the face. At Dental Park, we offer comprehensive facial neuralgia management under the expert care of Dr. Aakash Arora, a highly experienced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. With over 20 years of experience in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and 17 years specializing in facial neuralgia management, Dr. Arora has successfully treated over 87 cases of facial neuralgia.

Types of Facial Neuralgia

There are several types of facial neuralgia, each affecting different nerves:

Trigeminal Neuralgia

The most common type, affecting the trigeminal nerve which carries sensation from the face to the brain.

Occipital Neuralgia

Involves the occipital nerves that run from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp.

Occipital neuralgia is a condition that can cause intense pain in the back of your head and neck. It involves the occipital nerves, which run from the top of your spine to your scalp.

If you have occipital neuralgia, you might experience:

• Sharp, shooting, or electric-like pain starting at the base of your skull
• Pain that spreads to the back, top, or side of your head
• Extreme sensitivity in your scalp
• Pain behind one or both eyes
• Discomfort when moving your neck

This pain can be triggered by simple actions like touching your hair, lying down, or even moving your head. Some people describe it as feeling like a tight band around their head.

Occipital neuralgia can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in people who’ve had head or neck injuries, or those with tight neck muscles. Sometimes, it can be caused by pinched nerves due to arthritis in the upper spine.

To diagnose occipital neuralgia, Dr. Aakash Arora at Dental Park will carefully examine your symptoms and medical history. He might gently press on the back of your head to see if it triggers pain. In some cases, he may recommend imaging tests to rule out other conditions.

Treatment for occipital neuralgia can include:

• Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy to improve neck strength and flexibility
• Nerve blocks or local anesthetic injections for temporary relief
• In rare cases, surgical procedures to decompress or stimulate the affected nerves

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Affects the glossopharyngeal nerve, causing pain in the throat and tongue.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is an uncommon but extremely painful condition that affects a nerve in your throat area. This nerve, called the glossopharyngeal nerve, is responsible for sensation in parts of your throat, tongue, and ear.

If you have GPN, you might experience sudden, severe pain that feels like sharp, electric shocks. This pain usually occurs on one side of your:

• Back of the throat
• Tongue
• Tonsil area
• Middle ear

Everyday activities like swallowing, eating, drinking, or even talking can trigger these painful episodes. They typically last from a few seconds to a few minutes, but the fear of another attack can be very distressing.

GPN often affects people over 50 and is seen more in men than women. While we don’t always know the exact cause, it’s often due to a blood vessel pressing on the nerve.

Diagnosing GPN involves a careful examination of your symptoms and medical history. Dr. Aakash Arora at Dental Park may recommend some imaging tests to rule out other possible causes of your pain.

Treatment for GPN usually starts with medications to help control the pain. In more severe cases, Dr. Arora might suggest a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.

Postherpetic Neuralgia

A complication of shingles that can cause facial pain.

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful condition that can occur after you’ve had shingles. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, which can stay dormant in your body for years before reactivating.

If you have postherpetic neuralgia, you might experience:

• Burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the area where you had shingles
• Extreme sensitivity to touch in the affected area
• Itching or numbness
• Pain that lasts for months or even years after the shingles rash has healed

This pain can be constant or come and go, and it might affect your daily activities or sleep. It most commonly occurs on one side of your torso, but can appear anywhere on your body, including your face.

Postherpetic neuralgia is more likely to occur in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The risk also increases if the initial shingles outbreak was severe or if it affected your face.

To diagnose PHN, Dr. Aakash Arora at Dental Park will review your medical history, particularly your experience with shingles. He’ll also perform a physical exam to assess the affected area.

Treatment for postherpetic neuralgia may include:

• Pain-relieving medications, including certain antidepressants and anticonvulsants that help with nerve pain
• Topical treatments like lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream
• Nerve blocks or local anesthetic injections for temporary relief
• In some cases, spinal cord stimulation or other advanced pain management techniques

It’s important to note that while there’s no cure for PHN, proper treatment can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life. At Dental Park, Dr. Arora understands the challenges of living with persistent pain from PHN. He’ll work closely with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.

Remember, early treatment of shingles can help prevent or reduce the severity of postherpetic neuralgia. If you’ve had shingles and are experiencing ongoing pain, don’t hesitate to seek help. With the right care, many people with PHN find effective ways to manage their symptoms and return to their normal activities.

Facial Neuralgia Management Procedures

Dr. Aakash Arora offers a range of treatments tailored to each patient’s specific condition:

Medication Management: A Key Part of Facial Pain Relief

Medication management is often the first step in treating facial neuralgia. At Dental Park, Dr. Aakash Arora uses a variety of medications to help manage your pain and improve your quality of life.

Here’s what you need to know about medication management for facial neuralgia:

Types of Medications:

1. Anticonvulsants: These medications were originally designed to treat epilepsy, but they’re also effective for nerve pain. Common examples include carbamazepine, gabapentin, and pregabalin. They work by calming overactive nerves.
2. Antidepressants: Don’t worry – this doesn’t mean you’re depressed! Certain antidepressants can help with nerve pain even if you’re not feeling down. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline are often used.
3. Muscle Relaxants: These can help if muscle tension is contributing to your pain.
4. Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be used, especially in combination with other treatments.

How Medication Management Works:

Dr. Arora will work closely with you to find the right medication or combination of medications. This process may involve:

• Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it
• Trying different medications to see which works best for you
• Adjusting dosages to maximize pain relief while minimizing side effects
• Regular check-ups to monitor your progress and any side effects

What to Expect:

• It may take some time to find the right medication and dosage for you. Be patient and communicate openly with Dr. Arora about how you’re feeling.
• You might experience side effects, especially when starting a new medication. These often improve over time, but let Dr. Arora know if they’re bothersome.
• Never stop taking your medication suddenly without consulting Dr. Arora, as this can sometimes cause problems.
• Keep all your follow-up appointments, even if you’re feeling better.

Benefits of Medication Management:

• Reduced pain intensity and frequency
• Improved ability to perform daily activities
• Better sleep quality
• Overall improved quality of life

At Dental Park, Dr. Arora understands that each patient’s experience with facial neuralgia is unique. He’ll tailor your medication plan to your specific needs, considering factors like your overall health, other medications you’re taking, and your lifestyle.

Remember, medication management is often most effective when combined with other treatments. Dr. Arora may recommend additional therapies as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.

Microvascular Decompression: A Surgical Solution for Facial Pain

At Dental Park, we understand that some cases of facial neuralgia require advanced surgical interventions. While Dr. Aakash Arora specializes in various treatments for facial neuralgia, for procedures like Microvascular Decompression (MVD), we collaborate with highly trained neurosurgeons to ensure you receive the best possible care.

What is Microvascular Decompression?

MVD is a surgical procedure aimed at treating the root cause of certain types of facial neuralgia. Often, facial pain is caused by a blood vessel pressing against a nerve in your face. This surgery gently moves the blood vessel away from the nerve, relieving the pressure and potentially eliminating the pain.

The MVD Procedure

Here’s a simple breakdown of what typically happens during MVD:

1. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
2. A small opening is made behind the ear.
3. Using a microscope, the neurosurgeon locates the affected nerve and the problematic blood vessel.
4. The blood vessel is carefully moved away from the nerve.
5. A small pad is placed between the nerve and blood vessel to keep them separated.
6. The incision is closed, and the patient is moved to recovery.

Collaborative Care at Dental Park

At Dental Park, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive care for facial neuralgia. Here’s how it works:

1. Dr. Aakash Arora will thoroughly evaluate your condition and discuss all treatment options.
2. If MVD is considered a potential treatment, Dr. Arora will refer you to our partnering neurosurgeon for further assessment.
3. The neurosurgeon will determine if you’re a good candidate for MVD and explain the procedure in detail.
4. If you proceed with MVD, the surgery will be performed by the neurosurgeon at a specialized facility.
5. After the procedure, you’ll receive follow-up care from both the neurosurgeon and Dr. Arora to ensure optimal recovery and pain management.

Benefits of Our Approach

• Access to a range of treatments, from conservative options to advanced surgical procedures
• Care from specialists in both facial pain management and neurosurgery
• Seamless coordination between your care providers
• Comprehensive follow-up to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed

At Dental Park, we’re committed to finding the most effective solution for your facial pain. Whether that involves treatments provided directly by Dr. Arora or specialized procedures like MVD performed by our neurosurgery partners, you can trust that you’re in good hands.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Facial Neuralgia

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is an advanced, non-invasive treatment option for facial neuralgia that is performed by highly trained neurosurgeons. At Dental Park, we collaborate with expert neurosurgeons to offer this cutting-edge treatment for patients who have not responded well to other therapies.

How Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Works:

Gamma Knife radiosurgery uses nearly 200 beams of low-dose radiation to precisely target the affected nerve. Despite its name, there is no actual knife or incision involved. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients are awake throughout the treatment.

The Procedure:

1. A lightweight frame is attached to the patient’s head to ensure precise targeting.
2. Advanced imaging is used to locate the exact area to be treated.
3. The neurosurgeon uses computer-guided planning to deliver highly focused radiation to the target area.
4. The entire procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.

Benefits of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery:

• Minimally invasive with no incisions
• Low risk of complications
• Outpatient procedure with quick recovery time
• High success rate in pain reduction

What to Expect After Treatment:

Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within 1-2 days. While some patients experience immediate pain relief, it may take several weeks or months for the full effects of the treatment to be realized.

Expertise at Dental Park:

At Dental Park, we work closely with experienced neurosurgeons who specialize in Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Our collaborative approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, from initial evaluation by Dr. Aakash Arora to the Gamma Knife procedure performed by our neurosurgery partners.

While Dr. Arora does not personally perform the Gamma Knife procedure, he plays a crucial role in determining if this treatment is appropriate for each patient and coordinates care with the neurosurgery team. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to offer the most advanced and effective treatments for facial neuralgia.

Balloon Compression: A Minimally Invasive Approach to Facial Pain

Balloon compression is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure for treating certain types of facial neuralgia, particularly trigeminal neuralgia. At Dental Park, we collaborate with skilled neurosurgeons to offer this treatment option for patients who haven’t found relief through other methods.

What is Balloon Compression?

Balloon compression is a procedure that aims to reduce pain by applying pressure to the affected nerve. This pressure slightly damages the nerve fibers, disrupting pain signals and providing relief.

How the Procedure Works:

1. The patient is given general anesthesia, so they’re asleep during the procedure.
2. A small needle with a catheter is inserted through the cheek to reach the base of the skull.
3. A tiny balloon is inflated at the tip of the catheter, compressing the trigeminal nerve against the skull.
4. The balloon is kept inflated for about a minute, then deflated and removed along with the catheter.
5. The entire procedure typically takes about an hour.

Benefits of Balloon Compression:

• Minimally invasive with a small entry point
• Short procedure time
• Quick recovery period
• Can be effective for patients who haven’t responded to medications
• Can be repeated if pain returns after some time

What to Expect After the Procedure:

Most patients can go home the same day or the next day after the procedure. Some numbness in the face is common and usually temporary. Many patients experience significant pain relief within a few days to weeks after the procedure.

Expertise at Dental Park:

While Dr. Aakash Arora doesn’t perform the balloon compression procedure himself, he works closely with experienced neurosurgeons who specialize in this technique. Our collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care for our patients:

1. Dr. Arora conducts the initial evaluation and discusses all treatment options.
2. If balloon compression is considered appropriate, Dr. Arora refers the patient to our partnering neurosurgeon.
3. The neurosurgeon performs a detailed assessment and explains the procedure thoroughly.
4. If the patient proceeds, the neurosurgeon performs the balloon compression at a specialized facility.
5. Follow-up care is provided by both the neurosurgeon and Dr. Arora to ensure optimal recovery and pain management.

This team approach allows us to offer a full spectrum of treatments for facial neuralgia, from conservative options to advanced surgical procedures like balloon compression.

Remember, while balloon compression can be very effective, it’s not suitable for everyone. Dr. Arora will carefully evaluate your condition and discuss all available options to find the best treatment plan for you.

Glycerol Injection for Facial Neuralgia

At Dental Park, we offer a comprehensive approach to facial neuralgia management, including advanced procedures like glycerol injections. While Dr. Aakash Arora, our experienced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, oversees the overall treatment plan, the glycerol injection procedure itself is performed by specialized neurosurgeons we collaborate with.

What is a Glycerol Injection?

Glycerol injection, also known as glycerol rhizotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. It involves injecting a small amount of glycerol into the trigeminal nerve to disrupt pain signals

How the Procedure Works:

1. The patient is given mild sedation or local anesthesia.
2. A thin needle is carefully guided through the cheek to reach the trigeminal nerve near the base of the skull.
3. The correct position is confirmed using X-ray imaging.
4. A small amount of glycerol (typically 0.2 to 0.4 ml) is injected into the trigeminal cistern³
5. The entire procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

Benefits of Glycerol Injection:

• Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time
• Can provide rapid pain relief, often within 24 hours.
• Low risk of causing significant facial numbness.
• Can be effective when medications have failed
• The procedure can be repeated if pain returns⁴

What to Expect:

Most patients can go home the same day as the procedure. Pain relief is often experienced quickly, with many patients reporting significant improvement within a day or two

Our Approach at Dental Park:

While Dr. Aakash Arora doesn’t personally perform the glycerol injection, he plays a crucial role in your treatment:

1. Dr. Arora conducts the initial evaluation and discusses all treatment options.
2. If glycerol injection is considered appropriate, he refers you to our partnering neurosurgeon.
3. The neurosurgeon performs the procedure at a specialized facility.
4. Follow-up care is provided by both the neurosurgeon and Dr. Arora to ensure optimal pain management.

This collaborative approach allows us to offer a full spectrum of treatments for facial neuralgia, combining Dr. Arora’s expertise in oral and maxillofacial conditions with specialized neurosurgical procedures.

Remember, while glycerol injection can be very effective, it’s not suitable for everyone. Dr. Arora will carefully evaluate your condition and discuss all available options to find the best treatment plan for you.

Radiofrequency Ablation: Advanced Pain Relief for Facial Neuralgia

At Dental Park, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments for facial neuralgia, including advanced procedures like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). While Dr. Aakash Arora oversees your overall treatment plan, the RFA procedure is performed by specialized pain management specialists or neurosurgeons we collaborate with.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to disrupt nerve function and reduce pain signals. It’s particularly effective for treating trigeminal neuralgia and other forms of facial pain.

How the Procedure Works:

1. The patient receives local anesthesia and mild sedation.
2. A thin, hollow needle is inserted near the affected nerve, guided by X-ray imaging.
3. A microelectrode is passed through the needle to the target nerve.
4. A small electrical current is passed through the electrode to confirm its correct position.
5. Radiofrequency waves are then used to heat and partially damage the nerve, interrupting pain signals.
6. The procedure typically takes 30-90 minutes.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation:

• Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time
• Can provide long-lasting pain relief (6 months to several years)
• Reduced need for pain medications
• Can be repeated if pain returns
• Outpatient procedure with minimal downtime

What to Expect:

Most patients can go home the same day as the procedure. Some may experience mild discomfort or numbness in the treated area, which usually subsides within a few days. Pain relief often begins within 1-3 weeks after the procedure.

Our Approach at Dental Park:

Dr. Aakash Arora plays a crucial role in your treatment journey:

1. Dr. Arora conducts the initial evaluation and discusses all treatment options.
2. If RFA is considered appropriate, he refers you to our partnering specialist.
3. The specialist performs a detailed assessment and explains the procedure thoroughly.
4. The RFA procedure is performed at a specialized facility.
5. Follow-up care is provided by both the specialist and Dr. Arora to ensure optimal pain management.

This collaborative approach allows us to offer a full spectrum of treatments for facial neuralgia, combining Dr. Arora’s expertise in oral and maxillofacial conditions with specialized interventional procedures.

Is RFA Right for You?

Radiofrequency Ablation can be an excellent option for patients who:

• Have not found adequate relief from medications
• Are not suitable candidates for or prefer to avoid more invasive surgical procedures
• Have had successful but temporary relief from nerve blocks

Remember, while RFA can be very effective, it’s not suitable for everyone. Dr. Arora will carefully evaluate your condition and discuss all available options to find the best treatment plan for you.

Benefits of Treatment by Dr. Aakash Arora

• Extensive experience with over 87 successful facial neuralgia cases
• Personalized treatment plans
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities at Dental Park
• Comprehensive follow-up care

Benefits of Treatment by Dr. Aakash Arora

• Extensive experience with over 87 successful facial neuralgia cases
• Personalized treatment plans
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities at Dental Park
• Comprehensive follow-up care

Price Range

While facial neuralgia treatment costs can vary widely in Delhi NCR, Dental Park offers competitive pricing. Treatment with Dr. Aakash Arora starts from Rs. 25,000 at our NABH Accredited Centre.

Why Choose Dental Park

• NABH Accredited facility
• Cutting-edge technology and equipment
• Experienced support staff
• Comfortable, patient-friendly environment

Suitable Candidates

Facial neuralgia management is suitable for:

• Patients with diagnosed facial neuralgia
• Those experiencing severe, recurring facial pain
• Individuals who have not responded to conservative treatments

Treatment may not be suitable for:

• Patients with certain medical conditions
• Pregnant women (some procedures)
• Those with active infections

Dr. Aakash Arora’s Expertise

Dr. Arora has undergone extensive training in facial neuralgia management, including:

• Advanced courses in neurosurgical techniques
• Regular attendance at international conferences on pain management
• Collaboration with leading neurology experts

Insurance and Cashless Treatment

Dental Park provides cashless treatment for facial neuralgia management for beneficiaries of:

• Ayushman Bharat Yojna
• Pandit Deen Dayal Yojna
• Employees of Central Armed Police Force

Frequently Asked Questions

By choosing Dental Park and Dr. Aakash Arora for your facial neuralgia management, you’re opting for expert care, advanced treatments, and a commitment to improving your quality of life. Book your appointment today to take the first step towards relief from facial pain.