Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden, intense facial pain, often compared to electric shocks. These painful attacks are triggered by stimulation of specific areas of the face. They are associated with dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve, the fifth cranial nerve, which is essential for facial sensitivity and chewing.
In Turkey, there are many therapeutic options available to treat and provide lasting relief from facial neuralgia.
Expert surgeons and certified hospitals
Prices 35% to 50% cheaper than in Europe
Medical stay organized from A to Z
Direct prices without commission
Free assistance 24/7
Recommendation : 85
Anesthesia : General
Verified reviews : 610
Recovery : 14 days
Intervention : 2
Processed requests : 103
Accommodation : 7 days
Turquie Santé Fees : Free
Send your request online
We look for the best option for your case & budget
Evaluating a care plan with the best quote
Making appointments & Organization of your trip
Ongoing support until you return home
Highly qualified professionals in accredited institutions.
Enjoy quality care at much more affordable rates.
We take care of every step, from the trip to the return.
Book with full transparency, no hidden fees or commissions.
Certifications:
Certifications:
Certifications:
Certifications:
Certifications:
Certifications:
Certifications:
Certifications:
Certifications:
Certifications:
You have consulted 10 / 14 Packages
Expert opinions and cost estimates
Understand your procedure before traveling.
We assist our patients in obtaining their visas from the consulates.
We guarantee free and certified translation of your medical documents from all languages.
Your transfers will be provided from the airport and your hotel.
You will be assisted by your attending doctor even after returning to your country, via videos or messages.
The trigeminal nerve is the main sensory nerve of the face. It divides into three main branches that innervate different areas of the face: the forehead, cheek, and jaw. When this nerve is irritated, often by compression of a blood vessel, it causes attacks of intense, shooting pain.
These attacks, known as trigeminal neuralgia, manifest as repeated electrical discharges localized to one or more branches of the nerve. They can last from a few seconds to several minutes and can be triggered by facial movements, temperature changes or even touch. Patients often describe the pain as excruciating and disabling.
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by paroxysmal, extremely severe attacks of facial pain concentrated on one side of the face. These pains, often compared to electric shocks, can be triggered by mild stimuli such as washing the face, eating, or even smiling. They can radiate to the ear and cause involuntary muscle spasms. These recurrent attacks, which can occur several times an hour, have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and often prevent them from leading a normal life. The searing nature and high frequency (up to several hundred attacks per day) have a significant impact on patients' quality of life.
In addition to stabbing pain, trigeminal neuralgia may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
Trigeminal neuralgia must be distinguished from migraine, which is a diffuse, pulsating pain accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and photophobia. In contrast, trigeminal neuralgia is usually localized to a specific area of the face, often around the mouth or eye. Recognizing these differences can lead to better management of each condition and improved quality of life for those affected.
Trigeminal neuralgia, a painful condition that primarily affects adults and the elderly, is often caused by compression of the fifth cranial nerve. This compression can be caused by:
Although painful, trigeminal neuralgia can be prevented in some cases. Prevention methods vary depending on the cause of the condition:
If you have unexplained facial pain, don't hesitate to see a neurologist. Early diagnosis will allow the most appropriate treatment to be considered.
The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is based primarily on a thorough clinical evaluation of the symptoms described by the patient. The characteristic pain, often described as intense, brief electrical discharges localized to a specific area of the face, is highly suggestive.
To refine the diagnosis and identify possible underlying causes, a brain MRI with specific sequences is performed. This examination allows us to visualize the trigeminal nerve region and to detect :
The neurological examination is usually normal in patients with typical trigeminal neuralgia. The presence of neurological deficits (decreased cutaneous sensitivity, muscle weakness, etc.) suggests other pathologies that may mimic trigeminal neuralgia, such as :
Treating trigeminal neuralgia requires several approaches. Here are the typical steps:
Treatment of neuralgia usually combines analgesics and anti-inflammatories administered orally, intramuscularly, or by parietal infiltration. The goal of medical treatment is to reduce the intensity of symptoms.
Conventional analgesics and morphine cannot completely relieve trigeminal neuralgia. Your doctor may prescribe other medications, including
In the case of mechanical neuralgia, the patient should rest for a few days. The attending physician may also recommend that the patient wear a cervical collar or undergo physiotherapy.
Although medication treatment is often effective, some patients show resistance to painkillers. In this case, the doctor may consider surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve.
There are three types of surgery:
Neurosurgery type | Characteristics |
The gamma-knife technique | Gamma-knife radiosurgery consists of irradiating the nerve at the point of contact with the brain. In this technique, the neurosurgeon uses gamma rays that partially destroy some axons. |
The percutaneous methods | It's a method in which the neurosurgeon uses a needle to target the nerve or its ganglion. Three methods can be used:
|
| Microvascular decompression technique | In this technique, the neurosurgeon makes an incision in the skull, behind the ear, to relieve the pressure of the blood vessels on the nerve. It is therefore a very complicated neurosurgery. |
The cost of diagnosing and treating trigeminal neuralgia in Turkey varies depending on the cause of the condition. However, the rates for medical care in hospitals and clinics in Turkey are generally very affordable. You can be assured of receiving quality treatment at a good price.
By contacting the consultants at Turquie Santé, you can choose from among the best clinics specializing in the treatment of facial neuralgia in Turkey.
Don't hesitate to request a free personalized quote.
There are several causes for this disease such as:
The recovery time is about a month with a gradual reduction in pain-killers.
The cost for the treatment of facial neuralgia in Turkey is not standard. It will be adapted to your needs according to the care and the type of surgery used.
Our assistants help you to get the best options in Trigeminal neuralgia
