Alternative Treatment: a New Way in Curing “Trigeminal Neuralgia”

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND TREATMENT: A NEW WAY IN CURING “Trigeminal  Neuralgia”

Alternative medicine practices are used instead of standard medical treatments. Alternative medicine is distinct from complementary which is meant to accompany, not to replace, standard medical practices. Alternative medical practices are generally not recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches.

Alternative medicine includes dietary suplement, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, and spiritual healing. Examples of alternative medicine: include  homeopathy,  naturopathy, chiropractic, and acuspuncture.

 

A Disease called “Trigeminal Neuralgia”,

RUDOLPH M. KRAFFT, MD, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio

Am Fam Physician. 2008 May 1;77(9):1291-1296.

Trigeminal neuralgia, also called tic douloureux, is an uncommon disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of lancinating pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution. Typically, brief attacks are triggered by talking, chewing, teeth brushing, shaving, a light touch, or even a cool breeze. The pain is nearly always unilateral, and it may occur repeatedly throughout the day. The diagnosis is typically determined clinically, although imaging studies or referral for specialized testing may be necessary to rule out other diseases. Accurate and prompt diagnosis is important because the pain of trigeminal neuralgia can be severe. Carbamazepine is the drug of choice for the initial treatment of trigeminal neuralgia; however, baclofen, gabapentin, and other drugs may provide relief in refractory cases. Neurosurgical treatments may help patients in whom medical therapy is unsuccessful or poorly tolerated.

The typical or “classic” form of the disorder (called “Type 1” or TN1) causes extreme, sporadic, sudden burning or shock-like facial pain that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to as long as two minutes per episode.  These attacks can occur in quick succession, in volleys lasting as long as two hours.  The “atypical” form of the disorder (called “Type 2” or TN2), is characterized by constant aching, burning, stabbing pain of somewhat lower intensity than Type 1.  Both forms of pain may occur in the same person, sometimes at the same time. The intensity of pain can be physically and mentally incapacitating.

The trigeminal nerve is one of 12 pairs of nerves that are attached to the brain. The nerve has three branches that conduct sensations from the upper, middle, and lower portions of the face, as well as the oral cavity, to the brain. The ophthalmic, or upper, branch supplies sensation to most of the scalp, forehead, and front of the head. The maxillary, or middle, branch stimulates the cheek, upper jaw, top lip, teeth and gums, and to the side of the nose. The mandibular, or lower, branch supplies nerves to the lower jaw, teeth and gums, and bottom lip. More than one nerve branch can be affected by the disorder. Rarely, both sides of the face may be affected at different times in an individual, or even more rarely at the same time (called bilateral TN).

Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia, are caused by demyelination of the nerve leading to ephaptic transmission of impulses. Surgical specimens have demonstrated this demyelination and close apposition of demyelinated axons in the trigeminal root of patients with trigeminal neuralgia.⁵ Results from experimental studies suggest that demyelinated axons are prone to ectopic impulses, which may transfer from light touch to pain fibers in close proximity (ephaptic conduction).

Aging

• Trigeminal neuralgia may be caused by aging and damage to the nerves that occurs over time. Most people diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia are at least 50 years old when they develop symptoms. Older people may have other diseases such as diabetes or artery disease that can contribute to pain attacks caused by trigeminal neuralgia.

Cancer

• An abnormal growth or tumor in the head or neck may cause trigeminal neuralgia. As a tumor grows, it can pinch or irritate the trigeminal nerve and make it more sensitive to pain. The trigeminal nerve can also be compressed by the growth of a tumor, and the resulting pressure can cause the nerve to function improperly.

Heredity

• According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, heredity may be a cause of trigeminal neuralgia. Some people inherit disorders of the blood vessels that affect the trigeminal nerve. People with a family history of trigeminal neuralgia or other blood vessel disorders may be more likely to develop this disorder themselves.

Multiple Sclerosis

• Multiple sclerosis is a progressive and chronic disorder that causes damage to the nerves. The damage caused to the trigeminal nerve by multiple sclerosis may take years to develop.

Stress

• According to the Beth Israel Medical Center Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, stress may be a cause or trigger of trigeminal neuralgia. Stress can cause inflammation of blood vessels, which can compress or irritate the trigeminal nerve. In people who have trigeminal neuralgia due to another cause, stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen the severity of attacks.

Triggers

• Although a person’s habits may not be a direct cause of trigeminal neuralgia, they may trigger the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia in people who have the disorder. Normal parts of life including eating, shaving and brushing the teeth can trigger attacks. Other personal factors including talking, smiling or touching the face can also trigger trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. 

How to Alleviate Pain Caused by Trigeminal Neuralgia

Instructions       

• 1

Eat a healthy diet and get enough vitamins. Remove toxic substances, like alcohol and tobacco, from your diet. Take vitamin B supplements. Add herbal capsules or liquids, including St. John’s Wort, Valerian and White Willow.

• 2

Make a tea from chamomile leaves. Add lemon or honey for flavor. Drink it throughout the day, either iced or hot.

• 3

Mix medicinal clay with oil from lemon balm, lavender, St. John’s wort or comfrey. Alternatively, make a warm compress from horseradish or black mustard seeds. Mix in other herbs like chamomile and verbain. Apply the compress to the painful area.

• 4

Add 1/2 cup of apple cidar vinegar to 2 cups of warm water. Dip a cotton cloth into the liquid. Massage the painful area with the cloth. Rub a slice of lemon or peppermint oil on the area.

• 5

Consult with a homeopath to find tinctures and topical herbal ointments to help alleviate pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia.

• 6

Ask your doctor about prescription drugs to help alleviate symptoms. Anticonvulsant drugs and muscle relaxants effectively treat trigeminal neuralgia.

• 7

Talk to your doctor about procedures like injections, heat and ionizing radiation therapy, or microvascular decompression surgery. In this procedure, the blood vessel compressing the nerve is gently pulled away from the nerve.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Herbs can have an adverse reaction with other prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be take.

Alternative Way

• According to the Mayo Clinic at mayoclinic.com, very few clinical trials have been completed on alternate therapies for trigeminal neuralgia. Even though there is limited evidence to support alternative treatments, some people still seek them out if they do not want to pay for or take medication. It is important that you talk with your doctor before undergoing any sort of alternate treatment as it may interfere with drugs you are taking or have unwanted side effects.

What Vitamins Can Help Neuralgia Trigeminal

• Vitamins may strengthen your adrenal glands, easing neuralgic pain. According to the FPA, vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as B complex vitamins, can be taken as supplements or through food.

Supplement Options

• According to the National Pain Foundation, the effectiveness of herbal for trigeminal neuralgia has not been researched enough. There are, however, a few supplements that may provide relief. Taking vitamins B6 and B12 may ease symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, according to the National Pain Foundation. Taking folic acid in conjunction with the B vitamins may also have some benefit.

Herbal Treatments

• The U.S. National Library of Medicine says natural remedies, such
  

  bining prescription medications and supplements.

Dietary Considerations

• The FPA reports some TN sufferers experienced less pain when they removed salty foods, saturated fats, sweets, and coffee or soda from their diet.

Therapies and Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia

 

Relaxation Therapy

• Stress plays a role in symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, according to the Mayo Clinic, Learning relaxation breathing, can help the body relax and reduce symptoms. Take in deep breaths through the nose and count to four slowly. Then, breathe out the mouth, to the count of eight. This process allows the muscles to relax, according to the National Pain Foundation.

Biofeedback Therapies

• This therapy focuses on training the mind to control pain responses. The therapist teaches the patient how to focus on pain, relax the body and release the discomfort. The result of this therapy is less muscle tension and pain.

Acupuncture Treatments

• Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to reduce pain. This practice involves strategically placing small, thin needles in the body, where the energy is believed to flow. Inserting the needles into these points opens up energy channels and restores balance to the body. The National Pain Foundation explains that although more research is needed on acupuncture, it may be helpful for some patients

Acupuncture Cure

Acupuncture is an alternative treatment for trigeminal neuralgia that inserts tiny needles to energy points called meridians to improve circulation and energy flow in the

body. Always consult your doctor about alternative remedies you are considering.

Acupuncture Diagnostics

Chinese medicine believes that illness is caused by a blockage of energy flow within the body. Acupuncturists use a tongue reading along with pulse points and complexion to diagnose patients. The goal is to diagnose not only the symptomatic issue but the underlying issues causing it. Trigeminal neuralgia is aggravated by environment, and symptoms can be increased by diet and stress. People with the condition experience spasms in the trigeminal nerve and resulting pain and abnormal sensations in the face. A person who has problems with trigeminal neuralgia triggered by food may exhibit sweating, a red complexion and rapid pulse. Those aggravated by stress may have a purple cast over the tongue with a pulse that trebles like a guitar string.

Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia

• While it is possible to treat trigeminal neuralgia along the meridians of the face where the trigeminal nerve resides, some schools of thoughts think it is better to stimulate other meridian points that will create energy flow to the face. These can be found at points on the arms and legs. For people who experience extreme pain, the acupuncturist may add electrical stimulation to the needles to increase treatment strength. The sooner acupuncture is applied after the onset of the condition, the more effective it is in curing it.

Diet to Improve Acupuncture

• Many acupuncturists take a holistic approach to treating an illness such as trigeminal neuralgia. If your condition is aggravated through diet, you should refrain from eating spicy foods, including curries and chilies. In addition to diet modifications, your acupuncturist may recommend you avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a vasodilator, which increases heat within the body. This can increase trigeminal aggravation. Your acupuncturist also may recommend a combination of herbal remedies such as thuja, which is a strong analgesic. Dietary changes will help the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments to try to control your condition.

Acupuncture and Myofascial Release

• Some people try acupuncture for relief from trigeminal neuralgia. The premise behind acupuncture is that energy flows throughout your body but when it becomes blocked, it results in disorders and pain. Acupuncturists insert fine needles into certain areas of the body to free up energy. Another technique, Myofascial Release, is a form of massage where tension is released between connective tissue and nerves. This method relieves inflammation and often helps trigeminal neuralgia pain since it is thought to come from nerve entrapment.

 

How to Help Trigeminal Neuralgia With Reflexology Technique

• Stress plays a role in symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, according to the Mayo Clinic,  Learning relaxation breathing, can help the body relax and reduce symptoms. Take in deep breaths through the nose and count to four slowly. Then, breathe out the mouth, to the count of eight. This process allows the muscles to relax, according to the National Pain Foundation.

Instructions

• 1

Consult the reflexology book and locate the points on the hands and feet which, when the pressure is applied during the reflexology technique, would result in assuagement of the pain and stress of trigeminal neuralgia.

• 2

Apply gentle pressure to the points detected in the region of the hand and feet. On application of this gentle pressure, a signal is generated that passes through the medium of the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system to the target organ to produce an act of assuagement.

• 3

Perform the same procedure two to three times a day. You can also visit a reflexology center for the sittings of reflexology technique.

PainShield treatment to replace drugs and surgical intervention

The PainShield therapeutic ultrasound was demonstrated, in several studies, to reduce pain and help nerve recovery. Unlike conventional bulk wave ultrasound, the PainShield’s unique frequency and intensity allow for long treatment sessions (6 hours daily) that are more effective than the conventional products.

Treatment can take place anytime and anywhere even during overnight sleep.

PainShield unique advantages over existing treatment alternatives:

• Treating trigeminal neuralgia with the PainShield allows reduction in medication dosage and eliminates related adverse drug effects.
• The PainShield patch is applied on a bony surface in the face allowing the surface acoustic ultrasound waves to travel across the entire skull and reach the root of the trigeminal nerve to promote healing of nerve origin (currently under clinical research).
• No limitation in treatment duration.
• The treatment may help avoiding Trigeminal Neuralgia surgery.

It is critical that policymakers and public health personnel gain an understanding of the extent to which complementary and alternative health care forms an integral, albeit often marginal or marginalized, part of the public health apparatus at the disposal of any society. CAM may represent a substantial and largely untapped resource base. The World Health Organization estimates that most people in developing nations receive the bulk of their health care from traditional or indigenous health systems.1 In Mozambique, for example, where there is one physician for every 50 000 people, there is a traditional healer for every 200.2..

In terms of control over social, scientific, political, and economic discourses, what some scholars call “biomedicine” has held clear ascendancy in the United States for over a century. Indeed, it is biomedicine to which CAM is “complementary” or “alternative”—the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health defines CAM as “those healthcare and medical practices that are not currently an integral part of conventional medicine.”3 As with so much of the American cultural scene, however, the health care system in the United States has been and remains a pluralistic, oft tempest-tossed sea teeming with dynamically evolving species of healing systems. We have only recently begun to take account of the contributions of this alternative and complementary sector to public health.

Some Dicease can be cure in an alternative way, which believes that do not side effects and complications. Try it to yourself and discover how your sickness can be cured in alternative medicines and treatments. Start it, and you’ll discover how effective and safest alternative medication can do.

Tri- Media: As a tool in preventing Drug Acts

 

Drugs! Everytime you hear this word what comes first into your mind? This  one single word that may change your life, your future and or your perceptions. Well, all of us have our own mind and thoughts. Maybe, some of us thinks that drugs can be the solution of the problems. That, everytime they use it, they can feel an ecstacy. Some, will be curious and they will attemt to try, and so on they will be addicted to it. This thing that trying to destroy users life, and same also us destroying our society. And how drugs can destroy users health? The impact of drug abuse and dependence can be far-reaching, affecting almost every organ in the human body. Drug use can: Weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Cause cardiovascular conditions ranging from abnormal heart rate to heart attacks. Injected drugs can also lead to collapsed veins and infections of the blood vessels and heart valves. Cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Cause the liver to have to work harder, possibly causing significant damage or liver failure. Cause seizures, stroke and widespread brain damage that can impact all aspects of daily life by causing problems with memory, attention and decision-making, including sustained mental confusion and permanent brain damage. Produce global body changes such as breast development in men, dramatic fluctuations in appetite and increases in body temperature, which may impact a variety of health conditions.

Try to imagine a place with people living in their that most of them are drug users, even the leaders or people that in power are also users and in fact some of them are the master minds. Its like they commit mistakes, by dealing with temptations and curiousity and since they want money the drug lords and dealers are trying to destroy someone’s life and health. Is drugs really a solution to a problem? No, its not. Its like a decease that destroy us and our society. If this acts will continue and many people will engage to it, could you imagine if what kind of future awaits us? Especially to the young and next generations? Are there a brighter future awaits them? Are you worried? For you, what can you contribute to prevent this illegal acts? Are media contributes a lot to prevent this acts? What are the the ways that media can help a lot to prevent this?

The media has a tremendous influence on our lives. Many people do not realize the extent of this influence. Television, newspapers, radio and billboards are all forms of media. They also represent businesses with a need to meet budgets and make profits to stay in operation. It is important to be media literate. Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media messages. This differs from the traditional concept of literacy because it encompasses much more than the written word. Being media literate allows a critical and thoughtful examination of the media messages you encounter. It is important to become an informed consumer of both ideas and products. Constant exposure to media reinforces certain ideas and behaviors as “normal” or “regular”. Media are carefully manufactured products, whether they are nightly news broadcasts or billboards on the street. Understand how they are put together, and how media shape what we know and understand about the world. Media have embedded values and points of view. There’s no such thing as value-free media. All media—movies, news, sports, game shows, video games, even “objective” newspapers—contain certain points of view.

As media has a big role in influencing people, it can also be an effective tool in preventing drug acts. They serves as message sender. In America they centered  the full power of the media to educate and enable America’s youth to reject illegal drugs. This goal includes preventing drug abuse and encouraging current users to quit. For three reasons, the campaign focuses on primary prevention, which means preventing drug use before it starts. First, primary prevention targets the underlying causes of drug use and therefore has the greatest potential to reduce the scope of the problem. Second, over time a primary prevention campaign will lessen the need for drug treatment, which is in short supply. Third, a media campaign has greater potential to affirm the anti-drug attitudes of youth who are not involved with drugs than to persuade experienced drug users to change their behavior.

The media have come to play an increasingly important role in public health campaigns due to their wide reach and ability to influence behavior. There is significant evidence that carefully planned mass media campaigns can reduce substance abuse by countering false perceptions that drug use is normative and influencing personal beliefs that motivate drug use. Media campaigns have been used to prevent or reduce consumption of illegal drugs.

Netzach Goren, Research Officer, Centre for Youth Drug Studies, Australian Drug Foundation Mass media campaigns (MMC) are used in social marketing campaigns because they can reach a diverse and vast audience. In order to use the media well in drug or alcohol prevention campaigns you need to have clear objectives. These objectives should be measurable, specific and realistic. For example, if trying to influence among young people  it have to be able to measure the effect of the campaign. It is important to have realistic aims and to recognise that even the best campaign cannot achieve its aims in a short time. For a drug campaign to be effective, it is important to integrate the MMC with other approaches such as: school and peer education training parents in how to discuss drugs with their children and broader community work. The audience, an important part of any campaign is to research the factors that affect the use of drugs among the targeted group. A clear understanding of consumer values, perceptions and needs will help to inform the campaign. Segmentation Targeted campaigns are more effective than those adopting a blanket approach. Targeting involves segmenting the population according to relevant variables (for example, gender, socioeconomic status, attitudes toward drug use) then designing appropriate messages and communication strategies for those segments Types of message Fear appeals are frequently used in drug campaigns; however, they may increase the undesired behaviour, and make it more resistant to change.

The launch of the 2012 “Let’s Talk About Drugs” National Media Awards, Phillip Keegan, Coordinator with G.B.R.D., outlined the purpose behind the educational initiative: “We want to encourage as many people as possible, up and down the country, to start thinking and talking about the drugs issue. For example, drug education in schools – are parents, teachers and communities doing enough? With cheap alcohol on sale in supermarkets and corner shops, is the proposed government policy on minimum pricing and banning the sale of alcohol in supermarkets and garages the only way of tackling the issue of underage drinking?” He added: “Through researching these themes, every person who enters the Media Awards will be educating themselves, and others, through their articles and features.”

In television, everytime the audience watching the news about PDEA Drug Raid, and how the drug users and dealers bein’ caught and punished, the viewers will be then afraid to try it cause’ they are afraid to be punished as what they have watched in TV.  Also, television programs offers PSA or Public Service Announcements.  And documentaries that tackles about drugs and its side effects. In 1998, thirty television programs focused on themes and messages supportive of the campaign. While the campaign’s goal was to reach 90 percent of the target audience with four messages a week, by January 1999, 95 percent of the target audience was receiving seven anti-drug messages a week.

In Newspaper, the writer and the publisher also gives space for anti-drugs campaign.  Drug themes in metropolitan newspapers:

Content analysis of newspaper articles dealing with illicit drugs over a 6-month period in 1978 revealed several themes. Heroin gets “more press” than other drugs, while treatment and prevention appear to be neglected–perhaps because they are not newsworthy. The secondary analysis of the media seems to be an unobtrusive barometer to gauge the material being disseminated to the public, which helps shape their attitudes and values of drug abuse. This are some of example of neewspaper articles that hepls prevents drug us, as they can also influence readers. Same as billboards that states about Anti- Drug Acts.

Radio, these media can also contribute to prevent drug acts to the listeners that they can influence them everytime they speak against drug acts. Indian Bob Host of Recovery Radio Raw a Syndicated 12 Step Radio Recovery Talk Show that Discusses The Disease of Addictions such as DRUG Addiction and Disorders and the Solution to these Addiction and Disorders through 12 Step Recovery.  Host “Indian Bob” and his Guests brings The Dark Side of Addiction to a Whole New Light through 12 Step Recovery. If  someone who needs Help with an Addiction then This is a 12 Step Radio Show! Do you have a Family Member or maybe a Friend who might have an Addiction to Drugs. The Real, The Raw and The Recovery it’s the Triple “R” Recovery Radio Raw! Recovery Radio Raw offers a variety of topics on Addictions and Disorders and Mental Health Issues.

Thus, are some proof that media can really do help or could be one of the best tool in preventing drug acts, for some instance media has a big influence and contributions in our society not only in public service  but also will serves as a public model that can give a good message to the audiences, readers and to the listeners.