Natural Ayurvedic Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia – Causes, Symptoms & Herbal Remedies

Abstract

The trigeminal nerve is the largest of the cranial nerves and plays a key role in both sensory and motor functions. It provides sensory input to the face and controls the muscles involved in chewing. The nerve’s sensory fibers converge at the trigeminal ganglion, which transmits touch, pain, and temperature sensations from the ipsilateral face to the contralateral thalamus through the trigeminothalamic tract. In this article we will discuss it in more detail and we will discuss its ayurvedic overview and its management.

Introduction

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), formerly referred to as Tic Douloureux, is a long term pain disorder marked by sudden, sharp, electric shock-like pain that affects areas served by the fifth cranial nerve (CN V). The trigeminal nerve (CN V) supplies sensation to the forehead, cheeks, and lower jaw. While the condition typically affects one side of the face, it can involve one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve.

Causes

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) typically occurs due to pressure or damage to the trigeminal nerve. It is classified into different types based on its underlying cause:

1. Primary (Classic) TN

This is the most common form and occurs when a blood vessel, often the superior cerebellar artery, compresses part of the trigeminal nerve root, causing nerve irritation.

2. Secondary TN

This type is caused by an underlying condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), a tumor, or an arteriovenous malformation. Secondary TN tends to affect younger individuals and is more likely to cause pain on both sides of the face. Only about 15% of TN cases are secondary.

3. Idiopathic TN

This diagnosis is made when no clear cause for the facial pain can be identified, even after thorough testing.

Risk Factors

Several Factors may increase the risk of developing TN, including:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Aging
• Female are more prone to this
• Family history

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) can include:

• Short bursts of sharp, stabbing or shooting pain
• Pain triggers by everyday activities like brushing teeths, washing hairs, shaving, applying makeup etc.
• A dull, aching or burning sensation that may occur just before a more intense pain episode.
• Pain episodes that last from a few seconds to several minutes
• Pain attacks that can happen several times a day or week, often followed by pain-free periods known as remission.
• Pain typically affects only one side of the face.
• Pain that may start in one specific area of the face and gradually spread to the other region.
• Pain primarily occurs in the cheek, jaw,teeth,gums, and lips with the eyes and forehead being less commonly affected.
• Involuntary facial twitching
• Anxiety

Eye Symptoms

It rarely involves the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. If it does following symptoms are seen:

• Shock like pain around the eye
• Pain in the nose or scalp area
• Redness in the eye
• Dry eye
• Unexplained tearing in both eyes during a pain episode, even if the pain is localised to one side of the face.

Diagnosis

To diagnose trigeminal neuralgia following tests are performed:

1. Neurological exam

Different areas of the face are touched to determine the exact location of the pain. This helps to identify which branch of the trigeminal nerve might be affected. Reflex tests are also used to check if the pain is due to nerve compression or another issue.

2. Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI is often recommended to identify potential causes of the pain, such as multiple sclerosis or tumors. In some cases, a contrast dye may be injected into a blood vessel to help visualize blood flow and detect abnormalities in the arteries or veins.

Treatment

The treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia includes both Medications depending on the severity and cause of the condition

Medication

• Anticonvulsants
• Muscle relaxant
• Opioids
• Antidepressants
• Vitamin B12

Ayurvedic Overview

According to Ayurveda treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia, Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia are closely related with ‘Anatvata’. ‘Anata’ means endless, which indicates severe pain, widespread nature of headache, and involvement of many components of heads i.e. eyes, temples and jaws. And the term ‘vata’ indicates the predominant involvement of vata. In this condition there is an aggravation of all three doshas. These aggravated doshas press both Manya Naadi (The nerves on both sides of neck). This is because of excessive weeping, anger, and intake of rough and cool food. It causes severe pain in the back of the neck, eyes, in the frontal region (Lallat), Root of nose (Bhru) and the temporal region (Shankha). It can also cause lockjaw and stiffness in the lower jaw. In Trigeminal neuralgia when the eye symptoms are predominant it is termed as ‘Anyatovata’. It is a Vataj Vyadhi and it is described as an eye disorder. ‘Anatvata’ and ‘Anyatovata’ both have similar symptoms.

Treatment

Line of treatment for Anatvata includes:

1. Siramokshana (Bloodletting)

2. Virechana (Purgation)

3. Vasti (Medicated Anema)

4. Upanaha Sweda with Jangala Mamsa (Hot Applications)

5. Nasya Yogas (Administration of medicines through nasal route)

• Snehan nasya
• Ksheeri sarpi
• Shadbindu Taila
• Shunthi + Aja ksheera

6. Anjana Yogas (Paste applied to the inner lid of the eye)

• Chandrodaya varti
• Nagarjuna Varti

7. Lepa Yogas (Paste)

• Sarivadi lepam
• Haridradi lepam

8. Oral medications

• Shira Shooladri vajra Ras
• Ekangveer ras
• Sudhanidhi Ras
• Guggulu preparation
• Sapthamruta Loha
• Vata vidhwansan rasa
• Triphala Ghrita
• Patoladi Ghrita
• Maha Rasnadi Kwath
• Dashmool kwath
• Ashwagandha churna
• Bala churna

Herbal Remedies for Trigeminal Neuralgia By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified ayurvedic company. They provide a wide range of natural, herbal formulations and home remedies for Trigeminal Neuralgia to support health and manage chronic disease. Planet Ayurveda’s Formulations are 100% pure, natural, chemical free and safe to use. All their formulations are prepared under the supervision of MD (Ayurveda) scholars. Their products focus on holistic care, addressing the root cause of ailments through personalised treatment, and lifestyle modification. Planet Ayurveda helps to manage many chronic diseases through their formulations, one of them is the Trigeminal care pack for Trigeminal neuralgia.

Product description

1. Boswellia Curcumin

This capsule is a standardised pure extract of Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata), Curcumin (Curcuma Longa). These two herbs help to reduce pain, improve nerve functioning. It also possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant properties thus it is very beneficial in Trigeminal neuralgia.

Dosage : 2 capsules two times a day, with warm water after a meal.

2. Hakam Churna

This herbal powder is a pure blend of Chandershoor (Lepidium Sativum), Kalonji (Nigella Sativa), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), Ajwain (Trachyspermum Ammi). It has anti-inflammatory effects. It also helps to detoxify the body and helps to reduce stress.

Dosage : 1 tsp two times a day with warm water, after a meal.

3. Ashwagandha Capsules

This capsule is a pure extract of a single herb, Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera). It helps to reduce stress which in turn can reduce the physical impact of stress on the body, including on the nervous system. It has neuroprotective effects as it helps to support the nerve’s function and integrity. It also helps to manage pain. Hence, it is very beneficial in Trigeminal neuralgia.

Dosage : 1 capsule twice daily with warm water, after a meal.

4. Yograj Guggul

This tablet is a standardised pure extract of Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Nagarmotha (Cyperus Rotundus), Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica), Amlaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica), Pippali (Piper Longum), Kalonji (Nigella Sativa). These herbs used in this formulation helps to strengthen the nervous system. It improves blood circulation and supports the health of nerves. It also helps to reduce pain so it is very helpful in Trigeminal neuralgia.

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day, with lukewarm water after a meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Trigeminal neuralgia is correlated with Anatvata in Ayurveda. Management of trigeminal neuralgia takes a holistic approach. Regular therapies such as panchkarma, oral medication and planet ayurveda’s Trigeminal neuralgia pack are beneficial in relieving chronic pain and enhancing the body’s resilience. This holistic approach can provide an effective strategy for managing Trigeminal Neuralgia. It improves the quality of life and offers sustainable relief.