Neuropathic Pain

CONDITIONS

Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Pain), Neuropathic Pain, Shingles Pain (Herpes Zoster)

Chat With Us

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Neuropathic Pain

Shingles Pain

Shingles Pain (Herpes Zoster)

Struggling with similar pain symptoms?

Chat With Us

Shingles Pain (Herpes Zoster)

What is shingles?

Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster virus). If you have suffered from chickenpox before, the varicella zoster virus remains in your body and resurfaces when your immune system weakens due to ageing, stress or disease. It forms a rash that appears as blisters on one side of the body. It can also affect the face and eye, causing severe pain or even blindness.

How is shingles treated?

Antiviral drugs should be started within 48 hours from the onset of the rash. Usually, strong painkillers are needed, as the pain from shingles can be severe.

What is post-herpetic neuralgia?

When the pain from shingles persists for more than 3 months after the onset of the rash, the condition is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). This results from permanent damage to the nerves, leading to continuous pain, hypersensitivity and numbness in the area of the body where the rash used to be.

How is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) treated?

Strong painkillers, drugs that specifically treat nerve pain and local anaesthetic plasters are used to treat PHN. In severe cases, sympathetic nerve blocks, spinal injections of steroid or spinal cord stimulation may be required to alleviate the pain from PHN.

In patients older than 50 years old, the risk of developing shingles and PHN can be reduced through vaccination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Trigeminal Neuralgia

What causes facial pain?

Facial pain, particularly that associated with trigeminal neuralgia, is most commonly caused by a malfunction in the trigeminal nerve, which is the primary nerve responsible for sensations in the face. While the exact cause may vary, often it can be attributed to a blood vessel pressing against the nerve, leading to severe, sharp facial pain. Rarely, other causes such as a tumour or nerve damage due to disease can also contribute to facial pain. Treatment is often sought for this condition.

What are the common symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia presents with several characteristic symptoms. The most prominent one is a sudden, severe, sharp or stabbing facial pain. The pain often occurs in bouts and may be triggered by everyday activities like talking, eating, brushing teeth, or even a gentle breeze. The attacks may last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and they can occur repeatedly throughout the day. In some cases, patients may also experience a burning sensation or numbness in the face. Treatment is usually required to combat the intense discomfort associated with this condition.

What is the treatment for trigeminal neuralgia?

Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia aims to relieve the symptoms and manage the pain. The standard first-line treatment is medication management, including drugs such as carbamazepine, gabapentin, or pregabalin. These medications help in reducing the nerve’s response, thus relieving pain.

However, if medication fails to provide relief or causes significant side effects, other treatments such as Radiofrequency Ablation may be considered. This treatment involves inserting a special needle into the trigeminal ganglion and using radiofrequency energy to create heat, which destroys the painful division of the trigeminal nerve.

For cases where trigeminal neuralgia is caused by a blood vessel or tumour pressing on the nerve, referral to a neurosurgeon is needed. They may recommend surgical intervention to remove the pressure on the nerve. The choice of treatment depends on the individual’s health, severity of symptoms, and their response to medication. Always consult with a specialist for the best-suited treatment for your condition.

Insurance and Health
Network Coverage

We work with various insurance partners to assist with your hospitalisation and surgery claims. In some instances, pre-approval from your insurer allows direct billing between the hospital and insurer so that you will have peace of mind during your treatment. We are MOH-accredited so you may also utilise Medisave for your hospitalisation expenses.

The Pain Clinic