Can Cannabis Help With Trigeminal Neuralgia?
CBD oil, a natural remedy derived from cannabis, has demonstrated efficacy in treating various medical conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia. Its primary compound, cannabidiol (CBD), interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, effectively mitigating pain and inflammation associated with the condition.
Book an appointment or complete the eligibility evaluation, and one of our physicians will examine your application and let you know if you are eligible for a cannabis prescription for trigeminal neuralgia.
Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden and severe facial pain, which can be debilitating. A cannabis prescription for trigeminal neuralgia may help reduce pain and muscle spasms, providing relief from this intense condition. Cannabis’s anti-inflammatory effects may also contribute to longer-lasting pain management for those affected.
What is it?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a medical condition marked by sudden and excruciating facial pain. This pain is frequently defined as a sharp shooting sensation or reminiscent of an electric shock in the teeth, gums, or jaw. Typically, the pain occurs in brief and unpredictable episodes that can range from a couple of seconds to approximately two minutes in duration. Interestingly, the attacks cease as fast as they commence.
Trigeminal neuralgia frequently occurs on one side of the face, primarily affecting the lower facial area. The discomfort may occur on both sides of the face at the same time, but this is not common.
Individuals suffering from the condition may endure pain bouts that persist for days, weeks, or even months. In the most severe cases, these episodes might recur hundreds of times in a single day.
There is a possibility for the agony to subside or completely disappear for extended periods of several months or even years (known as remission). However, as time progresses, these remission periods generally become shorter.
As a result, some people may have a constant burning, aching, or throbbing sensation, which may be accompanied by acute attacks.
Those suffering from trigeminal neuralgia face substantial obstacles, which can have a major impact on an individual’s general well-being and quality of life. This illness can cause a variety of issues, including depression, social isolation, and weight loss.
What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia typically arises from the trigeminal nerve being compressed. This nerve, located within the skull, serves as a conduit for transmitting pain and tactile sensations from the mouth, face, and teeth to the brain.
The compressed trigeminal nerve generally occurs when a nearby blood vessel exerts pressure on a specific segment of the nerve within the skull.
Additionally, trigeminal neuralgia may manifest when the trigeminal nerve sustains damage due to an underlying medical condition, such as a tumour or multiple sclerosis (MS).
Episodes of pain are commonly triggered by activities involving gentle contact with the face, such as eating, brushing your teeth, or washing. However, these episodes can also be induced by slight movements of the face or head, air conditioning, or even the slightest breeze. Occasionally, the pain may occur without any identifiable trigger.
Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is typically a chronic condition, with periods of remission becoming smaller over time. However, available treatments do provide some degree of relief in most cases.
The initial recommended treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is often the anticonvulsant medication carbamazepine, commonly used for epilepsy. Carbamazepine is able to alleviate nerve pain as it slows down the electrical impulses in the nerves and reduces their ability to transmit pain messages to your brain.
Unless significant improvement or complete disappearance of pain occurs, the medication is generally prescribed for as long as it is required, which could be for an extended period of time.
If carbamazepine is ineffective, causes excessive side effects, or cannot be taken, a referral to a specialist may be made to explore alternative medications or surgical procedures that may be beneficial.
There are several minor surgical procedures available for treating trigeminal neuralgia, typically involving nerve damage to disrupt pain signals. However, these procedures generally provide relief for only a few years.
The specialist may propose a surgical intervention as an alternative, which entails the surgical opening of the skull to reposition any blood vessels that may be exerting pressure on the trigeminal nerve. Research has indicated that this procedure yields the most favourable outcomes in terms of long-term pain alleviation. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that this is a substantial surgical procedure and carries the inherent risk of severe complications, including but not limited to:
- Facial numbness
- Hearing impairment
- Or, in rare cases, a stroke
What are the Symptoms?
Trigeminal neuralgia is primarily characterised by sudden, intense, and sharp facial pain that occurs in brief episodes lasting from a few seconds to approximately two minutes. The pain that people with this condition feel is often described as excruciating, resembling an electric shock. During these episodes, the pain can be so severe that it hinders your ability to participate in any activity.
Typically, trigeminal neuralgia affects one side of the face, although there are rare instances where it may affect both sides simultaneously. The pain can be felt in various areas, such as the teeth, lower jaw, upper jaw, cheek, forehead, or eye, although less commonly.
Once the most intense pain subsides, you may feel a mild ache or burning sensation. Additionally, in between episodes, you may feel a constant aching, throbbing, or burning sensation.
Episodes of pain can occur regularly for days, weeks, or months at a time. Occasionally, the pain can completely vanish and not recur for several months or even years. This period of absence is referred to as remission. However, in the more severe cases of trigeminal neuralgia, the attacks may materialise frequently throughout the day without any periods of remission.
What are the Triggers?
Trigeminal neuralgia episodes can be provoked by certain actions or movements, including speaking, smiling, eating, brushing teeth, washing the face, gentle touch, shaving or applying cosmetics, swallowing, kissing, exposure to cool air or air conditioning, head movements, or vibrations. Nonetheless, pain can also manifest spontaneously without any discernible trigger.
What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?
There are three primary categories of trigeminal neuralgia:
- Classical trigeminal neuralgia, which occurs due to the compression of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the face
- Secondary trigeminal neuralgia, which arises as a result of another underlying medical condition or issue
- Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia is a term used when the cause of the condition is unknown
Getting a Diagnosis
Trigeminal neuralgia often causes pain in the jaw, teeth, or gums, leading many individuals with the condition to seek dental care before consulting a general practitioner.
During a dental examination, the dentist will inquire about symptoms and perform a dental X-ray to investigate facial pain. They will search for common causes, such as dental infections or cracked teeth.
Although dentists often diagnose trigeminal neuralgia, if a dental examination does not reveal an obvious cause for the pain, it is advisable to see a general practitioner.
Since there is no specific test for trigeminal neuralgia, diagnosis typically relies on symptoms and the patient’s description of the pain.
When experiencing facial pain episodes, the general practitioner will ask specific questions about the frequency, duration, and affected areas of the face.
The general practitioner will also explore other possible causes of the pain and may conduct an examination of the head and jaw to identify painful regions.
If the general practitioner suspects trigeminal neuralgia, they may refer the patient to a specialist for further evaluation.
The Role of MRI Scans
MRI scans are frequently used in the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia.
These scans utilise powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the body’s internal structures.
MRI scans can help identify potential causes of facial pain, such as sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus lining), facial nerve tumours, or nerve damage resulting from multiple sclerosis (MS).
Furthermore, an MRI scan can potentially detect if a blood vessel in the head is compressing one of the trigeminal nerves, which is considered the most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia.
CBD Gummies for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Natural Alternative for Pain Management
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating condition characterised by severe, sudden facial pain that can be triggered by everyday activities, such as eating, speaking, or even a light breeze. Traditional treatments often include medications like anticonvulsants or surgical interventions, which can come with side effects and varying effectiveness. As interest in natural remedies grows, many people are exploring CBD gummies as a potential alternative for managing trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
What are CBD Gummies?
CBD gummies are chewable, fruit-flavoured candies infused with cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. These gummies provide a discreet and convenient way to consume CBD, making them a popular choice for those seeking natural relief from pain and discomfort.
Potential Benefits of CBD Gummies for Trigeminal Neuralgia:
- Pain Relief: CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating pain and inflammation. Many users report significant reductions in pain levels and discomfort after incorporating CBD into their routine.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Trigeminal neuralgia often involves inflammation of the trigeminal nerve. CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce swelling and alleviate pressure on the nerve, leading to a decrease in pain episodes.
- Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Living with chronic pain can lead to increased anxiety and stress. CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic properties, which can help calm the mind and improve overall well-being. This can be particularly beneficial for TN patients, as stress often exacerbates pain.
- Convenient Dosage: CBD gummies come in pre-measured doses, making it easy to find your ideal serving size without the need for droppers or measuring. This simplicity can encourage consistent use and help individuals better manage their symptoms.
- No Psychoactive Effects: Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a “high,” allowing users to experience its benefits without the psychoactive side effects. This makes CBD gummies an appealing option for individuals who want relief without altering their mental state.
How to Choose the Right CBD Gummies for Trigeminal Neuralgia
When selecting CBD gummies for trigeminal neuralgia, consider the following factors:
- Quality and Source: Choose products from reputable brands that use organic, non-GMO hemp. Look for third-party lab testing results to ensure product purity and potency.
- Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: Full-spectrum CBD gummies contain a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, which may enhance the overall therapeutic effects due to the “entourage effect.” CBD isolate, on the other hand, contains only CBD. Depending on your preference, you can choose the option that aligns with your needs.
- Dosage: Start with a low dose (around 5-10 mg) and gradually increase until you find the amount that provides relief. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised dosing recommendations.
- Flavour and Texture: Since gummies are a consumable product, consider flavours and textures that appeal to you, as this can enhance your overall experience.
How we Can Help
CBD oil is a natural remedy that has been proven effective in addressing a range of medical conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia. The key component of CBD oil, known as cannabidiol (CBD), functions by engaging with the body’s endocannabinoid system to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
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