Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia

People afflicted with trigeminal neuralgia endure not just the excruciating pain of the illness but also the uncomfortable and sometimes intolerable side effects of the drugs given to try to stop their pain. But the drugs don’t always work, so beleaguered sufferers turn to surgery-which may or may not help. Homeopathy offers a safe alternative! Homeopathy can help with both the chronic condition and acute flare-ups. Remedies used to treat acute flare-ups may also help the person’s chronic condition-that is, it will reduce their underlying chronic tendency toward having trigeminal neuralgia flare-ups in the first place. In other cases, a different remedy may be needed to treat the chronic tendency toward flare-ups; if so, this remedy would be given after the acute flare-up had passed and would be aimed at more than just the trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. (Note: For the treatment of chronic conditions, seek the expertise of a trained homeopath.) The homeopathic remedies below are those used most often to relieve an acute flare-up of this painful condition.

Aconite: Pains appear suddenly and are worse on the left side. They are accompanied by­restlessness and an anxious look on the face. Pains are intense and are accompanied by anguish. Pains may come on after exposure to or may be worsened by dry cold winds.

Arsenicum: Pains feel drawing or burning, as if from­needles. They are ameliorated by warm applications and aggravated by cold air; they may be worse after midnight. The person is anxious, restless, and thirsty.

Belladonna: Pains are right-sided with a red face. Muscles of the face may twitch with pains, which are severe and intense. Pains are worse with drafts and motion, especially when chewing. Pains appear and disappear rapidly and may worsen at 3 p.m.

Bryonia: Pains are worse with the slightest motion, so the person cannot speak or eat. They are ameliorated by cold and pressure and lying on the painful side. The person has dry mouth and lips, and is likely very thirsty.

China: Pains are mostly left-sided. The skin on the face is sensitive to any light touch or draft, as well as to motion and can be worse with noise. Hard pressure ameliorates the pain. Attacks may come on at the same times every day.

Colocynthis: Pains feel tearing or­stitching, mostly on the left side. Pains are better with­pressure, rest, and warm­applications. Location of pain may be worse around the eye. Attacks can be worse in evening around 10 p.m.

Magnesium Phos: Pains worse on the right side, worse if body gets cold or if area is exposed to cold, especially cold wind. Pain is better with warm applications and can be better with pressure. Pains come on like lightning.

Pulsatilla: Pains are worse on the right side, with a drawing or tearing sensation. They are worse from chewing, warmth, and lying on the painful side. The mouth feels dry, but the person does not drink. Pains are ameliorated by cold applications and open air.

Spigelia: Left-sided pains, worse from stooping or moving the head, from noise, during perspiration, from cold water and air, and from chewing. Lightning-like pains come on from morning until sunset. The person has a flushed red face on the affected side, and pains come on at certain times of day.

Verbascum: Left-sided pains with a pinching sensation as if parts were being crushed by tongs. Pains brought on by clenching teeth, change of temperature, pressure, open air, and motion. Pains involve the chin and lower jaw.

Medicines for Trigeminal Neuralgia