Imagine smiling or chewing triggering electroshock-like pain on the side of your face. For people suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia, or TN, these normal movements can do just that. Even though TN is rare, its intense pain greatly affects the quality of life for those diagnosed with the condition.
Our radiation oncologist, Abhay Gokhale, M.D., wanted to make people in our community more aware of this rare condition and let them know there is hope. Dr. Gokhale was recently a guest on NBC4 WCMH-TV’s show, Daytime Columbus, where he discussed trigeminal neuralgia, how it is treated with the CyberKnife® system, and the benefits of the CyberKnife treatment.
CyberKnife is an effective treatment option for those dealing with the severe and excruciating facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia. The CyberKnife system delivers very precise radiation beams to a targeted segment of the trigeminal nerve to interrupt pain-causing fibers. Treatment is a one-time, outpatient procedure and is completed within an hour. TN does not have a cure, but pain can be reduced or eliminated in about 85 to 90 percent of patients who are treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.
Watch Dr. Gokhale cover trigeminal neuralgia on Daytime Columbus and if you, or someone you love, have been diagnosed with the condition, or you have questions regarding TN treatment, please contact Columbus CyberKnife today.