Q Since developing trigeminal neuralgia, my headaches and anxiety have also gotten worse. I can't tell whether it's caused by the pain or a separate problem.
A The chronic pain of trigeminal neuralgia commonly comes with headaches, anxiety, and depression. The pain continuously stimulates the nervous system, causing central sensitization, which creates a vicious cycle of headaches and anxiety. Recovery is faster when they are treated together.
Detailed Answer
When extreme pain recurs repeatedly, central sensitization occurs in which the brain's pain-processing circuits become overactive, and headaches and a sense of pressure can appear even in areas other than the original pain site. In addition, the anxiety of not knowing when an attack will come stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, creating a vicious cycle that deepens anxiety and depression.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we combine prescriptions that help stabilize the mind and body with the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. We use nervous-system-calming prescriptions from the Uhwang-cheongsim-won (Bovine Bezoar Heart-Clearing pill) family or herbal medicines that aid qi and blood circulation to reduce anxiety and headaches together. The core of treatment is to create a virtuous cycle in which reducing pain reduces anxiety, and reducing anxiety lowers the frequency of attacks.
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Q
The pain is so severe that I can't eat or speak. Is it realistically possible to get my daily life back with Korean medicine?
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