Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in PA & NJ
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It causes sudden, severe, electric shock-like pain typically on one side of the face. Even gentle stimulation such as eating, speaking, or touching the face can trigger an attack. It has been called the most painful condition known to medicine.
At DVPSI, Dr. Bromberg's background in Neurology gives him specialized expertise in trigeminal neuralgia. We offer both medication management and interventional procedures for patients who do not respond adequately to medications.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden, severe electric shock-like pain on one side of the face
- Pain lasting from a few seconds to several minutes
- Episodes triggered by eating, talking, touching the face, or even a breeze
- Pain-free periods between attacks that may decrease over time
- Pain typically affecting cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, or lips
- Aching or burning sensation that lingers after attacks
- Pain that worsens over time with attacks becoming more frequent
Common Causes
- Blood vessel compression pressing on the trigeminal nerve root
- Multiple sclerosis damaging the myelin sheath of the trigeminal nerve
- Tumor or cyst pressing on the trigeminal nerve
- Post-traumatic injury to the trigeminal nerve
- Dental procedures that traumatize nerve branches
- In some cases, no identifiable cause is found
Treatment Options at DVPSI
Our board-certified physicians use a stepwise, minimally invasive approach, always starting with the least invasive effective treatment and escalating only when necessary.
Medication Management
Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine are the first-line treatment, carefully titrated for effect and tolerability.
Nerve Blocks
Peripheral trigeminal nerve blocks can provide temporary but meaningful relief during painful episodes.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block
A minimally invasive procedure providing relief for certain trigeminal pain patterns.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Targeted ablation of trigeminal nerve branches for patients not responding to other treatments.
Botox Injections
Off-label use of botulinum toxin has shown benefit in some TN patients.
Surgical Referral Coordination
For appropriate candidates, we coordinate referral for microvascular decompression surgery.
Why Choose DVPSI for Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment
Trigeminal neuralgia requires a physician who understands both the neurological basis of the condition and the full range of interventional options. Dr. Bromberg's combined neurology and pain medicine training makes DVPSI one of the few practices in the region with this level of expertise in TN management.