Nerve Pain Diagnosis and Treatment
Individuals suffering from orofacial nerve pain may have continuous, burning or aching pain or severe, electrical, stabbing pain. Nerve pain can result from trauma, inflammation or a more serious underlying health condition. Please schedule a consultation if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Schedule an AppointmentOrofacial Neuropathic Pain and Neuralgias
Orofacial nerve pain has historically been under or overtreated and frequently misdiagnosed due to the complexity of the disorder. It is not uncommon for patients to see multiple specialists before obtaining the right diagnosis. It is not unusual for patients with these disorders to have had multiple dental treatments without any relief in pain. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain, a member of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Orofacial Pain at the UNR School of Medicine, Dr. Kim has many years of experience treating these conditions and enjoys helping patients improve their lives.
Orofacial Nerve Conditions Nay Include the Following:
Neuropathic orofacial pain can present in different forms, but the most common include:
Trigeminal neuralgia
Atypical odontalgia
Trigeminal neuropathy
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Nervus intermedius neuralgia
Auriculotemporal neuralgia
Schedule Appointment Now
It is not uncommon for an orofacial pain patient to have seen multiple medical and dental providers. The majority of sleep apnea patients are not aware that there are other alternatives to CPAP therapy. If you suffer from orofacial pain or sleep apnea, call us today to schedule a consultation.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Nerve Pain
Treatment Options May Include
- Pharmacotherapy (medications)
- Oral neurosensory stent for peripheral neuropathies
- Trigger point and nerve block injections
- Sphenopalatine nerve block
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Diagnosis
Treatment of most orofacial nerve conditions starts with a comprehensive exam, review of all relevant medical and dental history, bloodwork, and imaging. Our doctor may recommend diagnostic nerve blocks to find the source of the pain. Additional imaging and tests may also be ordered to rule out other medical conditions such as a brain tumor or nerve compression.
Dr. Kim has many years of experience treating nerve conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy, idiopathic dentoalveolar pain, and idiopathic facial pain. She works closely with the patient’s team of neurologists and pain management physicians as well as allied health professionals such as psychologists and physical therapists.
Treatment options may include pharmacotherapy with anticonvulsants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants (used for pain only) and muscle relaxants. Neurosurgical treatment may be recommended in cases where medications have not provided optimal pain relief. This may include microvascular decompression, gamma knife radiation or other ablative options.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
It is not uncommon for an orofacial pain patient to have seen multiple medical and dental providers. The majority of sleep apnea patients are not aware that there are other alternatives to CPAP therapy. If you suffer from orofacial pain or sleep apnea, call us today to schedule a consultation.