Trigeminal Neuralgia in New York, NY
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Contact UsWhat is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia, or tic douloureux or TN, results from pressure on the fifth cranial nerve, leading to recurrent episodes of facial pain. This pressure can stem from various factors, such as a blood vessel, tumor, or arteriovenous malformation. Over time, this pressure damages the nerve's protective myelin sheath, leading to its malfunction. Individuals suffering from trigeminal neuralgia might experience pain attacks even from minimal facial contact, such as shaving, eating, speaking, or even smiling. At the office of Dr. Raymond Sekula in New York, NY, several treatments for trigeminal neuralgia are available. These include microvascular decompression surgery, ablative procedures designed to intentionally harm the trigeminal nerve, and neuromodulatory procedures that utilize advanced technology to modify brain and nerve activity, thereby addressing facial pain. For more insights into trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis and treatment, reach out to Dr. Sekula at his office in The Neurological Institute of New York.
What are the Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Patients with trigeminal neuralgia often experience intense shooting or stabbing pain in the face. This pain can be triggered by even minor facial movements and may prevent individuals from performing day-to-day activities in New York, NY. Other symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling in the face
- Spasms of the facial muscles
- Episodes of severe pain that may last a few seconds or minutes
- Pain that is limited to one side of the face
If you experience any of these signs, it is crucial to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Sekula can help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What Are the Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia?
The primary cause of trigeminal neuralgia is believed to be compression or irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain. This compression can result from various factors, including blood vessels pressing on the nerve, multiple sclerosis causing damage to the protective covering of the nerve, or, in rare cases, tumors compressing the nerve. Although the exact cause may vary from person to person, the hallmark of trigeminal neuralgia is intense, stabbing pain in the face, often described as electric shock-like sensations. Management typically involves medications to alleviate pain and, in some cases, surgical procedures to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve.
What Increases Your Risk of Developing Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Some risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing trigeminal neuralgia in New York, NY, including:
- Age: The condition is more common in individuals over 50 years of age.
- Genetics: Some studies suggest a genetic predisposition to trigeminal neuralgia, but more research is needed to confirm this link.
- Medical history: Individuals with a history of high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis may be at a higher risk of developing trigeminal neuralgia.
- Injury to the face: Trauma to the face or head area may lead to compression or damage of the trigeminal nerve.
How Is Trigeminal Neuralgia Diagnosed?
Trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of facial pain, is diagnosed through a meticulous process. The diagnosis primarily involves:
- Patient history analysis
- Neurological examination
- High-resolution MRI scans
This comprehensive diagnostic approach ensures that the underlying causes of trigeminal neuralgia are accurately identified, paving the way for effective treatment options, ranging from medication to advanced surgical procedures. Dr. Sekula's expertise in this field offers hope and relief to those suffering from this debilitating condition.
How Does Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment Work?
Our collaboration with a top-tier neuroradiology team aids in diagnosing trigeminal neurology using high-resolution MRI scans. These scans detect issues, like blood vessels or tumors pressing against the trigeminal nerve. After diagnosis, Dr. Sekula plans the appropriate treatment. We offer innovative drug trials for those not preferring surgery. For others, we provide surgical treatments, like microvascular decompression surgery, ablative procedures, and neuromodulatory techniques. Dr. Sekula may recommend microvascular decompression surgery, glycerol rhizotomy, Gamma-Knife Radiosurgery, open partial sensory rhizolysis, or steroid rhizotomy to treat your trigeminal neuralgia.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Reviews
Dr. Sekula is an exceptional neurosurgeon who performed my MVD surgery on June 11, 2024, to treat Trigeminal Neuralgia. His surgical skill and professionalism are the best. His knowledge and calming demeanor helped my wife and I decide that MVD surgery would offer me the best path forward. And it has!! i am now pain free and my life has been changed! Thank you, Dr. Sekula, Caroline and the entire team!
Dr. Sekula is an exceptional neurosurgeon who performed my MVD surgery on June 11, 2024, to treat Trigeminal Neuralgia. His surgical skills and professionalism are the best. His knowledge and reassuring demeanor helped my wife and I decide that MVD surgery would offer me the best path forward. And it has!! I am now pain free and my life has been changed! Thank you, Dr. Sekula, Caroline and the entire team!
Dr. Sekula did trigeminal neuralgia rhizotomy surgery on my wife and he was caring, understanding and came by before and after surgery which does not always happen. He is a wonderful surgeon and he is a compassionate doctor. So far she is in remission which is great and it is all thanks to him and his team. Caroline is great and supports you every step of the way. I can’t speak highly enough about Dr. Sekula and his team.
I was referred to Dr. Sekula after suffering with Trigeminal Neuralgia for five years. He listened thoughtfully to my history and reviewed my MRI. He recommended surgery and discussed his reasoning with me. I underwent the surgery and woke up post operatively pain free. I will be eternally greatful to Dr. Sekula. It felt like a miracle, but Dr. Sekula's clinical and surgical skills created this "miracle" for me. I cannot thank him enough. I must also thank Dr. Sekula's NP, Caroline Gacka, for her attentive response to any question I had.
Dr. Sekula was my second opinion for TN, and after our first telehealth visit, I immediately knew he was the one to perform my MVD. I have a son, age 34, who is medically complex with multiple special needs (7 brain surgeries). For 34 years, we have met with many neurosurgeons. Dr. Sekula is, by far one of the top neurosurgeons I have ever encountered. He possesses patience, kindness, and an intense passion for his work. He is also an excellent communicator and even adds a little humor, as a bonus! The day after surgery, he came into my room and said, "Let's go for a walk." (rare for any doctor). His staff, Caroline and Brianna, are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They are excellent with callbacks to address concerns and/or questions. I am 3 weeks post-op with all restrictions lifted and I am thrilled to report that I can once again, wash my face, blow my nose and, brush my teeth without pain! Dr. Sekula truly listened to me when I told him I needed to get back to my normal baseline before TN, to continue my main job, which is to take care of my son's needs. Dr. Sekula is a good man and a gentle soul. God Bless him forever! A truly thankful patient, Karen Wallace
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Discover the leading-edge solutions for trigeminal neurology we offer at Dr. Raymond Sekula's office in The Neurological Institute of New York in New York, NY. Don't let chronic pain dictate your life; our comprehensive treatment plans, ranging from innovative drug trials to advanced surgical interventions, are tailored to your unique needs. Join countless others who've found relief through our expertise. Reach out today, and take the first step toward pain relief.
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About UsTrigeminal Neuralgia FAQs
What causes trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia typically occurs spontaneously, but can also be linked to facial trauma or dental procedures. The most common cause is a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve (vascular compression), which wears away the nerve's protective insulation, leading to extreme sensitivity.
How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a physical exam and detailed medical history to exclude other facial pain causes. There's no single test for it, so understanding the pain's nature is crucial. Imaging tests like CAT scans or MRIs may be recommended to check for tumors or blood vessel abnormalities potentially causing the pain.
What treatments are available for trigeminal neuralgia?
Treatment options include medications (often seizure-controlling drugs like carbamazepine or gabapentin), trigeminal nerve blocks (steroid or other injections to reduce pain), and various surgical procedures. Over-the-counter painkillers are generally ineffective. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's overall health, pain severity, and tolerance for potential side effects.
