Trigeminal neuralgia is a painful neurological condition that affects the trigeminal nerve (the 5th cranial nerve), which is one of the largest nerves present in the head. This neurological disorder is observed more in women than in men. It becomes more common with age and is rare in people under 40 years of age. This disorder causes sudden, intense facial pain that can feel like electric shocks or stabbing sensations, typically affecting one side of the face. Triggers such as touching the face, chewing, or even a light breeze can provoke episodes of excruciating pain. It can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life for those afflicted.
Symptoms Of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Common symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia may present with one or more of these patterns:
- Painful episodes are sudden and severe, causing shooting or jabbing/stabbing pain, and that may make you feel like an electric shock-like pain.
- Spontaneous painful attacks or attacks triggered by certain activities, such as chewing, speaking, brushing teeth or even touching the face.
- Bouts of pain may last from a few seconds to several minutes.
- Pain may last for days, weeks, months, or longer. You may experience a constant ache, a burning sensation that may be experienced before it turns into spasm-like pain.
- Pain is experienced in areas that are supplied by the trigeminal nerve, including the jaw, lips, cheek, gums, teeth, or less often, your eye and forehead.
- The pain may affect one side of your face at a time, though it may rarely affect both sides of your face.
- The pain due to trigeminal neuralgia may affect one spot or spread in a wider pattern.
- Trigeminal neuralgia attacks tend to turn more frequent and intense over time.
9 Home Remedies For Trigeminal Neuralgia
Some individuals find relief from trigeminal neuralgia through natural treatments such as the use of chamomile & lavender essential oils, ginger, peppermint, holy basil, and other herbal remedies.
Heat or Cold Application:
Apply heat to the affected area by pressing a hot water bottle or any other appropriate hot compress to the painful spot. Taking a hot shower or bath may relieve the symptoms. Cold applications like cold water or ice water applications may also help you obtain relief.
Application of Pressure:
Applying pressure with the entire hand to the affected area can help relieve you of the discomforting symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.
The application of pressure to specific points associated with the trigeminal nerve can offer temporary relief from the intense pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Gentle massaging or applying firm pressure using the fingers or palm on the affected side of the face can help soothe the nerve and reduce pain signals. This technique may promote relaxation, alleviate muscle tension, and provide a brief respite from the sharp, shooting pain characteristic of TN episodes.
Holy Basil:
Holi basil is commonly known as ‘Tulsi’ or “Elixir of Life.” It acts as a stress regulator and inhibits nerve pain in the cases of trigeminal neuralgia. It is an effective herb that has been used for over 3000 years due to its incredible healing powers. The plant is loaded with minerals and vitamins, such as sodium, manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
Peppermint:
Peppermint essential oil acts as a pain reliever, helping relax the muscles and control the muscle spasms. You may also use peppermint candies.
Peppermint’s analgesic properties make it a promising natural remedy for Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Applying diluted peppermint essential oil to the affected area may provide localized pain relief and alleviate muscle tension associated with TN. Additionally, inhaling the scent of peppermint oil through aromatherapy can induce a calming effect, potentially reducing the intensity of TN symptoms. Peppermint candies can offer a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the soothing benefits of peppermint for TN discomfort.
Ginger:
Ginger oil comprises a compound known as zingibain, which is known to have potent anti-inflammatory properties and counteract inflammation. The use of ginger oil may help alleviate the pain that occurs due to the inflammatory conditions.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is believed to possess analgesic properties that can be beneficial for individuals with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Consuming ginger tea or incorporating fresh ginger into meals may provide systemic relief from TN symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating pain perception. However, further research is needed to fully understand ginger’s efficacy in managing TN discomfort.
Chamomile & Lavender Essential Oils:
Borneol, a compound present in lavender and chamomile essential oils, may help minimize the inflammation and pain resulting from trigeminal neuralgia. So, you may use these two beneficial essential oils.
Chamomile and lavender essential oils offer potential relief for Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Inhalation or topical application of these oils may soothe nerve pain and promote relaxation, providing a natural and holistic approach to managing TN discomfort.
Dietary Modifications:
Certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12, minerals, etc., can help alleviate the discomforting trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. They lower the inflammatory responses and may help to form a stronger immune system.
Incorporating a nutrient-rich diet can play a crucial role in managing Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate TN symptoms. Additionally, maintaining adequate hydration is essential for nerve function and pain management. Avoiding trigger foods such as those high in sugar, caffeine, and processed ingredients can also help mitigate TN flare-ups. Consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian to develop a personalized meal plan tailored to TN management can provide valuable support.
Meditation:
Meditation doesn’t reduce the pain instantly, but it helps bring the mind to a state beyond pain. The art of mindfulness may help you take your mind away from focusing on the pain and thereby obtain relief.
In cases of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), meditation can serve as a complementary approach to managing chronic pain. By cultivating mindfulness, individuals with TN can learn to observe their sensations without reacting to them, thereby reducing the psychological distress often associated with the condition. Additionally, meditation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization may help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation, offering a degree of respite from the relentless discomfort characteristic of TN. Integrating meditation into daily routines can contribute to overall coping strategies for managing TN symptoms.
Yoga:
According to yoga, pain is the manifestation of the excessive speed of vital energy, which is also called prana. When we are lost in thoughts in times of stress, all the prana is pulled in the brain. Excess prana in the brain leads to the construction and blockage of prana nadis (channels). Pain is experienced when too many sensory nerves get triggered. Here are certain relaxing techniques that can help you obtain relief.
- Slowing down this speed of the mind helps alleviate the pain. This can be achieved through deep, slow breathing.
- Alter the speed of fast and slow breathing followed by a deep rest.
- Defocus the point of pain by increasing awareness of a wider area.
- Perform Surya Namaskar 10 times a day. Also, practice Kapalabhati (forceful exhalation)
- Nadisuddhi (Alternative nostril breathing)
- Exercises: Perform exercises such as:
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- Jogging
- Shoulder rotation with hands on the shoulders
- Neck movements: forward-backward bending & side movement
Now that you know these easy yet effective home remedies for trigeminal neuralgia, you may follow them if you happen to suffer from the discomfort of this neurological condition. But, before that, do consult a good doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.
