Trigeminal Neuralgia Cheek Pain – Perth Low level laser

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) by causing episodes of intense electric shock like pain in the areas of the face where the nerve innervates, this includes the lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, upper and lower jaw. Even mild stimulation of the face such as brushing your teeth or blowing your nose has the potential to trigger jolts of pain.

Initially, the attacks of pain may be short and mild and may last several seconds however, trigeminal neuralgia can progress and cause more intense bouts of searing pain that can be repeated one after the other, throughout the day. The episodes of pain may come and go, their intensity and frequency is intermittent and may last for days, week or months at a time and then disappear for days, months or years.

Trigeminal neuralgia often affect women more than men and more likely occurs in middle-aged patients usually older than 50.

Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia- facial pain

One or more of the following trigeminal neuralgia symptoms may be present at a time:

• Episodes of sharp, severe, shooting pain

• Intermittent attacks or episodes of pain

• The pain is often triggered by something like touching the face, chewing or speaking

• Pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution

• The pain usually affects one side at a time, however may rarely affect both sides also

• Attacks that become more frequent and intense over time

Low Level Laser Therapy for trigeminal neuralgia

The effect of low intensity laser radiation in the treatment of chronic trigeminal neuralgia pain has been well established in many studies. In most studies, laser therapy, when compared to placebo irradiation there was a significant reduction in the intensity and frequency of pain compared with other treatment strategies. The basis for the effectiveness of the laser therapy is to improve microcirculation, and anti-oedema action and improve nerve conduction. The inhibitory protocol affects the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular nerve. The stimulatory protocol improves microcirculation, modulated inflammation response and therefore strong and uniform repair tissue.

Here at our Perth based clinic in Joondalup we have several high quality low level lasers capable of improving facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. We even have low level lasers you can hire from our practice in Perth to take home for extra benefit.

Lakeside Laser, located in Perth’s Northern suburb of Joondalup 6027. With Visitors from a various surrounding suburbs such as: Currambine, Burns Beach, Iluka, Kinross, Alexander Heights, Girrawheen, Hocking, Landsdale, Sinagra.  Further information can be found on our website www.lakesidelaser.com.au or you can call us on 9300 0095.