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Trigeminal Neuralgia: Success Stories |
Jack S., La Habra, CA
Many years ago, I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and experienced frequent and severe pain attacks on the right side of my face from the forehead to the mouth.
For four years, I was medically treated by a neurologist using various types of medications - Trileptal, Neurontin, Lamictal, Topamax, and Tegretol. I was told to seek other options, as I was not responding to treatment.
For about a year, I did find some relief through acupuncture, but then the pain became more frequent and severe. I began to experience excruciating pain attacks at night.
I decided to seek another opinion and had my wisdom teeth re-checked by an oral surgeon who assured me that everything was normal. He recommended an appointment at the pain center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The doctor at the pain center prescribed medication and recommended an appointment with Dr. Hrayr Shahinian of the Skull Base Institute to discuss my condition.
- Rhizolysis - Injection of the chemical glycerol. Lasts 1 to 4 years.
- Cyber Knife - Radiation therapy. New treatment, long-term success under evaluation.
- Microvascular Decompression - Delicate procedure. Separates blood vessel from nerve, 90% success rate, permanent.
I decided to have surgery using Dr. Shahinian's new and innovative microvascular decompression procedure for treating trigeminal neuralgia. He thoroughly explained the procedure including how it worked and exactly what he would do. He answered all my questions to my satisfaction.
Now, three years following the procedure, I'm pain-free and have not experienced further pain attacks. My quality of life is back to normal.
I think Dr. Shahinian should be commended for his new innovations and procedures. He should be awarded the Nobel Prize for all his contributions to the technology and evolution of medicine.
Thank God for Dr. Shahinian, a gifted and knowledgeable surgeon. I do not know what I would have done if faith had not brought us together.
Sincerely,
Jack S.
La Habra, CA
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