Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain: Insights from Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hamdy

Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most intense facial pain conditions, causing severe discomfort during everyday activities like talking or chewing. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hamdy El-Leqany, Professor and Consultant of Chronic Pain Management, explains that understanding the nature of this condition and choosing the right treatment are key to controlling the pain and improving quality of life.

In this article, we highlight what you need to know about trigeminal neuralgia, how it’s diagnosed, and modern treatment options—especially radiofrequency therapy.

 What Is the Trigeminal Nerve? Why Does the Pain Occur?

The trigeminal nerve is responsible for facial sensation. Pain occurs due to:

• Pressure from a nearby artery or vein

• Inflammation of the nerve

• Nerve damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis

• Or sometimes, no identifiable cause

According to Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hamdy El-Leqany, the pain usually comes in sharp, electric shock–like episodes affecting one side of the face.

 How Is Trigeminal Neuralgia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves:

• A detailed description of the pain’s type and location

• A comprehensive neurological exam

• Ruling out other causes such as dental or sinus issues

• CT or MRI imaging to detect possible nerve compression

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hamdy El-Leqany stresses that accurate diagnosis is essential for choosing the most effective treatment.

 Radiofrequency as an Effective Treatment Option

When medications fail, radiofrequency ablation becomes one of the most successful options. It involves:

• Inserting a fine needle under local anesthesia

• Precisely guiding the needle to the nerve root using imaging

• Applying controlled radiofrequency waves to disrupt pain signals

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hamdy El-Leqany notes that this technique offers excellent results, with success rates over 80%, allowing patients to return to normal life.

 Benefits of Radiofrequency Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia

As outlined by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hamdy El-Leqany, the key advantages include:

• A non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure

• No need for general anesthesia or lengthy recovery

• Fast and effective pain relief

• Can be repeated if needed

• Reduces reliance on strong pain medications

 Conclusion

Trigeminal neuralgia doesn’t have to be a life sentence. With accurate diagnosis and modern treatments like radiofrequency, pain can be effectively controlled. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hamdy El-Leqany emphasizes the importance of consulting a specialized pain expert to determine the ideal treatment plan.