Don’t Let Pain & Cranial Nerve Syndromes Lessen Your Enjoyment of Life

Pain and cranial nerve syndromes may range from trigeminal neuralgia to occipital neuralgia, each presenting unique challenges for individuals. Seeking treatment is crucial to alleviate symptoms and improve your ability to enjoy life. Virginia Neurosurgeons offers specialized care, employing advanced techniques to help individuals overcome the challenges posed by pain and cranial nerve syndromes.

Doctor media

Why Choose Virginia Neurosurgeons?

Virginia Neurosurgeons, founded in Arlington in 2001, stands as a prominent and independent neurosurgical group that provides comprehensive care in Northern Virginia. With an established record of care involving over 30,000 patients, our expert surgeons, educated at prestigious institutions, offer academic-level neurosurgical expertise. Board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and holding faculty appointments with the George Washington University School of Medicine, our commitment to ethical, compassionate care sets us apart. As neurosurgeons, we integrate comprehensive training, evidence-based approaches, and a team-oriented philosophy, aiming to address the root cause of symptoms and enhance the quality of life for our patients. Through an unwavering dedication to open communication and personalized care, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those dealing with pain and cranial nerve syndromes.

About Pain & Cranial Nerve Syndromes

Cranial nerve syndromes are conditions rooted in the intricate network of nerves and the brain. Pain, often a signal of distress, occurs when nerve signals transmit discomfort messages to the brain. 

Common causes of these syndromes include:

  • Compression
  • Inflammation
  • Nerve Damage
  • Tumors
  • Infections
  • Trauma

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a craniofacial pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve that transmits sensory information from the face to the brain), resulting in sudden, intense facial pain. Symptoms include:

Episodic, Stabbing Pain:

Brief, severe, electric shock-like pain.

Unilateral Pain:

Typically affects one side of the face.

Intermittent Attacks:

Periods of intense pain followed by remission.

Underlying Causes and Treatment

Trigeminal neuralgia is usually caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve, resulting in severe facial pain. Treatment steps include medication to alleviate pain, nerve ablations, stereotactic radiosurgery, and, in some cases, surgical procedures such as microvascular decompression or percutaneous rhizotomy.

Man smiling

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia 

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare neurological condition characterized by recurring episodes of severe, stabbing pain in the throat, tongue, ear, and the back of the jaw. Symptoms may include:

  • Intense, sharp pain on one side of the throat or tongue.
  • Episodes of pain triggered by swallowing, talking, coughing, or yawning.
  • Brief, paroxysmal attacks lasting from a few seconds to minutes.
  • Potential accompanying symptoms include difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or a lingering sore throat.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Treatment

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is often caused by irritation or compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve that goes from a structure in the brainstem to the throat, tongue and certain glands. Treatment involves addressing the underlying factors and managing symptoms. Treatment steps include:

Medications:

Drugs may be prescribed to alleviate nerve pain.

Local Anesthetics:

Direct application of medications to structures in the throat near the tonsils.

Surgery:

In severe cases, surgical options such as microvascular decompression or nerve block procedures may be considered.

Lifestyle Changes:

Avoiding triggers, maintaining good oral health, and adopting stress-reducing practices can contribute to symptom management.

Surgery:

In severe cases, surgical options such as microvascular , may be considered.

Background media

Hemifacial Spasm and Treatment

Hemifacial spasm involves painless, involuntary muscle contractions on one side of the face, causing repetitive twitching or spasms. Symptoms may include facial muscle twitches, eyelid spasms, and asymmetrical facial movements.

Hemifacial spasm is usually due to compression of the facial nerve by a blood vessel. The exact cause can vary between individuals and requires a thorough evaluation to determine the specific contributing factors in each case. Treatment options include oral medication, injections of medications directly into the facial muscles to reduce muscle contractions, and in some cases, surgical intervention to relieve nerve compression.

Virginia Neurosurgeons in Arlington is here to help You with Discomfort

A consultation is the crucial first step towards understanding your condition and exploring personalized treatment options for pain and cranial nerve syndromes. Take the proactive step towards relief and schedule a consultation with Virginia Neurosurgeons today.

Schedule Your ConsultationCommitted To Helping You Live Freely.

Contact Us
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (703) 372-9322.
Contact Us