Try Medical Cannabis For Trigeminal Neuralgia? Yes, Indeed
Trigeminal neuralgia is a truly horrific medical condition to have. Ask anyone who has the condition or their loved ones and they will tell you the pain trigeminal neuralgia patients suffer is unimaginable. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the pain experienced with trigeminal neuralgia is described as the most excruciating known to mankind. In fact, an online news magazine for dental hygienists calls trigeminal neuralgia the suicide disease.
If you have been newly diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, you may be wondering if medical cannabis would help. Thankfully, it can. Read on.
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is an intense, piercing, sharp, stabbing, burning, shock-like pain in the trigeminal nerve, which branches into three sections across the face. It can be triggered by the slightest movement on or near the face. Since this condition affects the nerve, many pain medications and relievers won't help. Treatments for trigeminal neuralgia typically involve the use of medication and surgical procedures. Sometimes, patients get so desperate that they try other non-traditional methods of pain relief, including the use of medical cannabis.
Can medical cannabis be effective?
Medical cannabis can be effective in helping reduce the amount of pain felt when someone's trigeminal neuralgia pain is triggered. The way it works is that it produces an antinociceptive effect, which simply means it increases tolerance of the pain or reduces sensitivity to the pain. You see, trigeminal neuralgia pain occurs due to the nerve cells desperately signaling the brain to feel an intense amount of pain. Medical cannabis reduces this signaling so the nerve cells aren't, essentially, screaming to be heard and paid attention to by the brain.
What types of medical cannabis can help?
There are many types of medical cannabis available that may help, and they come in many different forms. However, since your trigeminal nerve is extremely sensitive to movement and touch, you obviously want to avoid putting CBD oil on your face or anywhere that triggers the trigeminal nerve. Also, the thought of placing drops under your tongue due to how sensitive you are may heighten your anxiety. And since eating can also be a trigger, you'll want to avoid trying edibles. While it may seem odd, suppositories may be ideal if your trigeminal neuralgia triggers very easily. You may also be a good candidate for a cannabis vape pen. Speak with your medical cannabis doctor for more information regarding the types of products to use to calm your trigeminal nerve.
For more information on medical cannabis, contact your doctor.
