Our medical and surgical doctors team up for improved quality of life for those with chronic facial pain such as trigeminal neuralgia. At NSPC, our staff of pain specialists works to develop a comprehensive treatment plan specific to you. Proper diagnosis and innovative treatments such as restorative surgical procedures — can be transformative, find out for yourself.
Neuropathic Conditions We Treat
We offer in-depth diagnosis and personalized treatment programs for neuropathic facial pain disorders and hemifacial spasms such as:
Trigeminal neuralgia is an intense facial pain, which can be sometimes triggered by something as gentle as a breeze. The pain has been described as stabbing, drilling, shock-like, and migraine-like. These sudden episodes may be just a few seconds but can occur numerous times within a 24-hour period. Episodes may cluster together and then can disappear–sometimes for months or longer. Often the cause is compression of the trigeminal nerve, usually an artery or vein and in rare cases, a tumor or other mass is the origin. Multiple sclerosis can also be a cause of facial pain, and sometimes the cause is unknown.
Facial Pain: A 21st Century Guide
NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery neurosurgeon and FPA Medical Advisory Board Chair, Dr. Jeffrey Brown, edited the first edition of Facial Pain: A 21st Century Guide with FPA secretary and third-generation woman with trigeminal neuralgia, Anne Ciemnecki.
Facial Pain: A 21st Century Guide is available for purchase, in print and electronically.
Dr. Jeffrey Brown's Trigeminal Neuralgia Presentation
Dr. Jeffrey Brown discusses what trigeminal neuralgia is, the symptoms and causes, treatment options, and more!
Advanced Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatments in the Long Island, New York Area
Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment Options with NSPC’s Dr. Michael Brisman.
Standard treatment for trigeminal neuralgia generally begins with medications such as antiseizure medicine. More aggressive treatments include surgery to alleviate the pressure on the trigeminal nerve or nerve blocks.
Microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia is a surgical procedure that moves a vein or artery that is putting pressure on the trigeminal nerve and places a small cushion to buffer the two. Pain relief can be immediate and is considered a curative procedure.
Nerve blocks or nerve injury can be achieved through two minimally invasive, outpatient methods: a percutaneous rhizotomy or radiosurgery.
- A rhizotomy involves threading a needle through the cheek to the nerve and then using radiofrequency, glycerol or a balloon to injure the nerve and interrupt the pain signal.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery uses super-focused radiation to selectively damage the nerve, but the results can take a few weeks.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Differential Diagnosis in the Long Island, New York Area
Trigeminal Neuralgia Differential Diagnosis with NSPC’s Dr. Michael Brisman.
Diagnosis is typically made based on the patient's history, but an MRI is useful to see if there is a blood vessel, tumor, multiple sclerosis, or other abnormalities involving the trigeminal nerve.
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Treatment Options in the Long Island, New York Area
NSPC’s Dr. Michael Brisman describes glossopharyngeal neuralgia causes, symptoms, and treatment options, including medication, surgery, and nerve injury.
Convenient Long Island Locations for TN Treatment
Our New York metro locations offer state-of-the-art medical facilities with leading-edge treatments and the highest levels of expertise. Our seasoned neurosurgeons and pain management specialists have a large arsenal of sophisticated surgical procedures to treat your facial pain, so you can enjoy life again.
Our Trigeminal Neuralgia Team and Facial Pain Specialists
