Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Kiss Should Not Have to Hurt

Severe Facial Pain
Imagine for a moment, the simple pleasures of life - a kiss from a grandchild, or even brushing your teeth - as unbearably painful.  That's what those with facial pain caused by Trigeminal Neuralgia go through every day. 

Thanks to the world-class experts and technology at UAMS Medical Center, if you suffer from facial pain - Trigeminal Neuralgia - a kiss doesn't have to hurt.

Trigeminal Neuralgia and Daily Routines

Intense Facial Pain
People who suffer intense facial pain simply by eating, applying make-up or shaving, may have Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN).  TN is a disorder of the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve and is often described as an episodic sharp shooting pain typically involving one side of the face. The discomfort may last a few brief seconds or extend for hours.

There is Hope
In fact, many patients will go to their dentist believing their symptoms are related to their teeth and gums. However, you can offer your patients hope – the Gamma Knife.

Out With the Old, in With the New
The old treatments often meant brain surgery.  But the world-class experts at UAMS Medical Center, working with leading edge technology - the only Gamma Knife® available in Arkansas - can treat Trigeminal Neuralgia in a whole new way.

Ionizing Radiation - Non-invasive
The Gamma Knife procedure requires no incision.  It utilizes precisely focused ionizing radiation in a single treatment session.

Recovery time is short and in most cases, patients return to normal activities within a few days.

Painless Procedure
With the Gamma Knife, there is no incision, and the actual treatment is painless.  The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation.  Patients are typically treated and discharged after a one-day hospital stay and can return to work, school and their presurgery lifestyle within 24-48 hours.

No Age Limit
Any patient with Trigeminal Neuralgia, who has pain or has difficulty with the medicines used to relieve the pain, is an excellent candidate for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS). The patient's age or medical condition does not affect the decision to have Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS).

Trigeminal Neuralgia Patient Profile

• Patients typically experience onset of TN in their 50’s
• Episodic sharp shooting pain typically on one side of the face
• Gamma Knife Benefits
• Non-invasive surgery
• One treatment visit
• One-day hospital stay and return to work within 24-48 hours
• Very low morbidity
• Over 10,000 TN patients treated in U.S.
• 84% of TN patients treated experienced a reduction in pain

Gamma Knife: Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatement Without Invasive Surgery

Thanks to a revolutionary tool called Gamma Knife, the sharp electric-like pains caused by Trigeminal Neuralgia can be treated effectively without invasive surgery.  And of all the surgical options, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) is least likely to cause complications and uncomfortable facial sensations.

For more information, or to find out if this treatment option is right for you, call the Gamma Knife Center at: 501 603-1800.

In Arkansas, the Gamma Knife is available only at
UAMS Medical Center.

If you have a patient with Trigeminal Neuralgia and wish a consult,
call 501/603-1800.