What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, located in the skull base, that causes sudden bursts of intense face pain. The three branches of the trigeminal nerve run through the upper, middle and lower portions of each side of the face, and more than one nerve branch may be affected. Debilitating pain spasms may last just a few seconds to several minutes and may come in frequent waves. Patients never know when they will experience an episode of trigeminal neuralgia pain.
What are the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?
Many of those affected describe trigeminal pain as an electric shock, or a bolt of lightning. Oftentimes, sufferers mistake their pain for dental problems at first. Everyone agrees: The pain of trigeminal neuralgia is excruciating and unbearable.
Pain can radiate along the side of the face from the cheek to the lower jaw. Pain can affect the lips, tongue, teeth and gums. Trigeminal nerve pain can be triggered by light touch or cold around the mouth or face, or simply by talking, eating or brushing teeth. While trigeminal pain is usually limited to one side of the face, about 10 percent of those with trigeminal neuralgia will have pain on both sides of the face.
Gamma Knife® treatment for trigeminal neuralgia
Anti-seizure medications effectively control pain for a period of time, but they include many side effects. When medication is no longer effective, there are other treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia, but in general, they are invasive and pain relief can be short-term and may last for just a few years. Side effects of traditional treatment options can include permanent facial numbness or other damage.
Gamma Knife is an effective, lasting, minimally invasive treatment for trigeminal neuralgia with few or no side effects. The procedure targets the fifth cranial nerve at the skull base to interrupt pain signals to the brain. Gamma Knife uses images taken by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pinpoint computer mapping to send a high dose of radiation to a highly defined target, while leaving surrounding healthy tissue unharmed.
Radiation oncologist Dr. Herbert Wang is the Medical Director at South Sound Gamma Knife. You can learn more about Gamma Knife Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia by watching his insightful presentation here .
How effective is Gamma Knife treatment for trigeminal neuralgia?
Gamma Knife provides acceptable pain relief for about 85 percent of patients. The average response to Gamma Knife treatment takes one to three months. However, some patients will notice a response right away, while others may find it can take up to one year to experience complete relief from trigeminal neuralgia pain. The best results with Gamma Knife occur when it is the first procedure chosen once medication is no longer effective, before other damaging procedures have been tried.
What is recovery like from Gamma Knife treatment for trigeminal neuralgia?
Gamma Knife is a minimally invasive treatment, so recovery is very mild and almost immediate. Patients do receive conscious sedation, so we encourage rest on the day of treatment after discharge. A few patients will have a headache or minor pain for a day or two at the four pin sites where the frame was anchored in position on the head, but most patients are able to resume normal daily activities within 24 hours.
When can I stop taking my trigeminal neuralgia medications?
After Gamma Knife treatment, patients begin a follow-up schedule with their radiation oncologist, neurosurgeon and neurologist. Once it is determined that the Gamma Knife treatment was effective, patients work with their neurologist to start tapering off trigeminal neuralgia medications. This could be as early as six months post-treatment to years later.
Do patients experience recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia after Gamma Knife?
About 30 percent of patients who have Gamma Knife for trigeminal neuralgia report a recurrence of their trigeminal pain.
Can I have Gamma Knife treatment more than once?
If patients do not experience full relief from trigeminal neuralgia after one year, Gamma Knife treatment may be repeated. This is a decision for patients to make with their neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist team.
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If you have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia ask your doctor about Gamma Knife or call 866.254.3353 to schedule an appointment and learn if Gamma Knife treatment may be right for you.
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Understanding Essential Tremor
Unlike other neurological disorders or conditions that may cause tremors like Parkinsons', essential tremor does not include any additional neurological issues. However, the disorder can impede daily activities and interfere with routine tasks. Simple things such as using a phone, writing notes, buttoning up clothing, and even preparing a meal can become time-consuming and frustrating.
Essential Tremor Symptoms
Essential tremor symptoms present as small, but rapid uncontrollable movements. These movements can occur occasionally, constantly, or frequently and they can affect one or both sides of the body. Essential tremor is most often noticeable in someone if they are attempting an intentional activity that draws attention to their movements. While individuals who are 60 or older are typically the age group diagnosed with essential tremor, younger people can also be affected. Certain factors like smoking, caffeine consumption, too much stress, or a lack of sleep can make a tremor worse.
Medications for Essential Tremor
For many patients, the first line of treatment for essential tremor involves medication. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, are commonly prescribed to reduce tremor severity. However, these medications are not suitable for everyone, particularly those with asthma, diabetes, or certain heart conditions.
Gamma Knife® Treatment for Essential Tremor
Gamma Knife® treatment represents a cutting-edge approach to managing essential tremor. This technology uses a precise, high-dose radiation beam to target and destroy specific tissue. By interrupting the signals that the brain sends to the muscles, Gamma Knife® effectively reduces the uncontrollable movements associated with essential tremors. One of the significant advantages of this treatment is that it is non-invasive, requiring no surgical incisions or hospital stays. The procedure is completed in a single day, allowing patients to return home immediately after treatment.
Gamma Knife® treatment is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot take traditional medications or who have not responded to them.
Effectiveness of Gamma Knife® Treatment
Patients undergoing Gamma Knife® treatment typically notice a reduction in tremor symptoms within three to six months following the procedure. This gradual improvement can lead to a significant enhancement in the quality of life, allowing individuals to perform daily activities with greater ease and confidence.
Essential tremor is a challenging condition that affects many aspects of daily life. Treatment options range from medications to innovative procedures like Gamma Knife® treatment, which offers significant relief for patients who cannot take traditional medications or who have not found success with other treatments. By targeting the root cause of tremors with precision and efficiency, Gamma Knife® can dramatically improve the quality of life for those living with essential tremor.
To learn more about whether Gamma Knife treatment is right for you, speak with your doctor or call South Sound Gamma Knife at 866.254.3353.
For individuals facing acoustic neuromas, radiation therapy offers hope. Gamma Knife is a minimally invasive stereotactic radiosurgery that provides surgical precision without extended hospital stays. Utilizing highly focused, high-dose radiation, Gamma Knife dismantles tumor cell DNA while sparing surrounding tissue. Patients can undergo this procedure while awake and often return home the same day, bypassing prolonged hospitalization.
Understanding the Symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma
The symptoms of an acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) vary, typically manifesting between ages 30 and 60. Initially subtle, they may include speech and swallowing difficulties, dizziness, headaches, hearing loss, and tinnitus. As the tumor progresses, it may lead to facial numbness, weakness, or even paralysis on the affected side, and in severe cases, it can compress the brainstem, causing hydrocephalus.
Side Effects and Recovery from Gamma Knife Surgery
One of the key benefits of Gamma Knife treatment is its low incidence of side effects. Facial weakness and numbness, occurring in less than one percent of cases, are rare, and the preservation of useful hearing surpasses that of other treatments, with an average of 71 percent of patients retaining hearing functionality. Recovery typically spans three to four months, allowing patients to gradually resume daily activities with renewed hope and improved health.
Patient Eligibility and Risk Assessment
Determining patient suitability to treat acoustic neuroma with Gamma Knife involves collaboration between the primary care provider, ENT or neurologist, and the medical team overseeing the procedure. While many patients view Gamma Knife surgery as their preferred treatment option for halting tumor growth, it can also serve as a follow-up to conventional surgical interventions or address tumor regrowth post-surgery, which occurs in approximately eight to ten percent of cases. Despite the treatment efficacy, potential risks such as post-treatment swelling, temporary hearing loss, cranial nerve damage, and fatigue warrant consideration and thorough risk assessment.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Gamma Knife Treatment
When weighing treatment options for acoustic neuroma, efficacy is paramount. Gamma Knife treatment shines as the gold standard, boasting the highest effectiveness rate for preserving hearing among all available technologies. About 71 percent of patients retain useful hearing, and nearly half of all newly diagnosed acoustic neuroma cases are treated with Gamma Knife.
Beyond Gamma Knife Treatment and its Benefits
Beyond its efficacy in addressing the physical manifestations of acoustic neuroma, Gamma Knife treatment offers patients the prospect of a better quality of life. By preserving hearing and minimizing side effects, this innovative approach not only addresses the immediate medical concern but also alleviates the emotional and psychological burden often associated with debilitating conditions. Patients can regain a sense of control over their health and well-being, enabling them to focus on pursuing their passions and enjoying meaningful interactions with loved ones.
Embracing Hope and Innovation in Acoustic Neuroma Treatment
Gamma Knife treatment stands as a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with acoustic neuroma. Its minimally invasive nature, exceptional efficacy, and focus on preserving quality of life make it a preferred choice for many patients and healthcare providers alike. Ongoing research and innovation promise to further enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of Gamma Knife treatment, offering renewed hope and improved outcomes for individuals facing the challenges of acoustic neuroma.
Located at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, WA, South Sound Gamma Knife is the sole Gamma Knife center situated between Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR. It provides patients across the region with access to a uniquely tailored facility, cutting-edge technology, and an unmatched team of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, radiation physicists, nurses, and other experts.
For patients who have been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, you can explore your treatment options, including Gamma Knife, by speaking with your primary provider. Or, call 1-866-254-3353 to learn more about our resources and services.