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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What causes trigeminal neuralgia?

    Related Topics
    Neurology Trigeminal Neuralgia
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    Dr Jeffrey Hannah

    Chiropractor

    Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is one of those syndromes that is still categorised as “cause unknown.”  

    In the absence of any nerve pathology (eg tumors growing on the nerve), infection or dental problem, the underlying issue is a neuromuscular problem involving the upper cervical spine:  namely the atlas and axis vertebrae (C1 and C2).  Without getting too far into the neurology of it, the cluster of cells that receive sensory information in the face and jaw are located in the part of the brain stem that descends into the top part of the spinal cord (C1 and C2).  Misalignment of these vertebrae may exert physical tension on the cord, thus produce the symptoms associated with TN.

    In practice, I have worked with a number of people with varying degrees of trigeminal neuralgia, and dare I say the vast marjority have responded extremely well with a proper correction of the upper neck.

    The person I would advise you to seek in an Upper Cervical Specific chiropractor.

    I would also advise you have a look at www.upcspine.com.au or read a couple of books:  The Doctors Who Give No Medicine (admittedly, I am the author) or What Time Tuesday? (www.uppercervicaladvocates.com).

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    Kerry Read

    Physiotherapist

    Headline Physiotherapy for the Head Neck and Jaw deals specifically with TMJ Facial Pain Headache Migraine and other musculoskeletal issues involving the cranial area. All … View Profile

    Trigeminal Neuralgia can be such a severe and distressing condition it is wonderful to know that some patients respond extremely well to manual therapy. The nerve can encounter interferences along it's pathway which cause an increased sensitivity in the body's response to even the lightest stimulation of the nerve. While medical treatment tends to concentrate on supplying drugs which will dampen down the response, a suitably trained physio can assess the musculoskeletal aspects of the condition.

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