Acupuncture for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Facial Pain in Melbourne
Trigeminal neuralgia can be an incredibly distressing condition. People experiencing it often describe sudden, intense facial pain that feels like an electric shock, a stabbing sensation or a sharp jolt. Sometimes even the lightest touch can trigger an episode.
What makes trigeminal neuralgia particularly difficult is how much it can interfere with ordinary life. Eating, brushing your teeth, washing your face, talking or simply going outside on a windy day can become something to worry about. For some people, the anticipation of another episode is almost as difficult as the pain itself.
At Coburg Chinese Medicine, I provide acupuncture consultations for people experiencing trigeminal neuralgia and other forms of facial nerve pain. My approach is to listen carefully, understand how the condition is affecting you and discuss how acupuncture might be considered alongside your existing medical care.
Based in Coburg, I welcome people from Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Preston, Thornbury and the surrounding northern suburbs of Melbourne.
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
The trigeminal nerve carries much of the sensation from the face to the brain. It has three main branches, supplying the forehead and area around the eye, the cheek and upper jaw, and the lower jaw.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological pain condition involving this nerve. It most commonly causes sudden, severe episodes of pain on one side of the face, often around the cheek, teeth or jaw. The pain is frequently described as electric shock-like and can last from a few seconds to around two minutes.
Some people experience repeated attacks with relatively comfortable periods in between, while others also have a persistent background ache or burning sensation.
Ordinary activities such as chewing, speaking, brushing teeth, shaving, washing the face or exposure to cold wind can trigger an episode. This can make everyday routines particularly challenging, sometimes affecting eating, sleep, work and social activities.
What causes trigeminal neuralgia?
In some cases, trigeminal neuralgia is associated with a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve near the brainstem, affecting the way the nerve transmits signals. Other causes can include conditions such as multiple sclerosis, while sometimes no clear cause is identified.
Not all facial pain is trigeminal neuralgia. Dental problems, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), headaches and other neurological conditions can produce similar symptoms.
An accurate diagnosis is therefore important, particularly if facial pain is new or unexplained. A GP or neurologist may recommend further investigation, including an MRI, to help establish the diagnosis and look for an underlying cause.
Managing trigeminal neuralgia alongside medical treatment
Many people who attend my clinic with trigeminal neuralgia are already receiving medical care. Some are taking prescribed medications such as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, which are established medical treatments for this condition. Others may be discussing additional options with their GP or neurologist because of ongoing symptoms, medication side effects or personal preferences.
I'm happy to work collaboratively with your GP, neurologist or other treating practitioners, with acupuncture considered as an adjunct to the care you're already receiving. I don't see acupuncture and conventional medical treatment as competing approaches.
I think it's important to understand what treatment you're currently receiving, how you're managing and what your concerns or expectations might be. Some people wish to explore acupuncture while continuing their medication, while others are considering different healthcare options. My role is to provide clear information and respect your choices.
If you're considering changes to prescribed medication, those decisions should be made with your prescribing doctor. You don't need to stop your existing treatment to attend an acupuncture consultation.
Acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia and facial nerve pain
People sometimes explore acupuncture when experiencing trigeminal neuralgia or recurring facial pain, either as an additional approach alongside medical care or while considering their wider healthcare options.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles as part of an individualised treatment. Before proceeding, we'll discuss what the proposed treatment involves and take account of your health history, symptoms and preferences.
I'm particularly conscious that someone living with severe facial pain may be apprehensive about touch or further treatment. Understanding your triggers, sensitivities and concerns is an important part of the consultation.
What does the research say about acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia?
Acupuncture has been investigated in clinical studies of trigeminal neuralgia.
A 2024 overview examined 13 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of acupuncture research. Although some findings were encouraging, the researchers identified substantial limitations in study quality and the certainty of the evidence. This means that firm conclusions about acupuncture's effectiveness for trigeminal neuralgia cannot yet be drawn. [3]
I think it's useful for patients to understand both what research has found and its limitations. We can then discuss acupuncture as an option they may wish to consider, alongside appropriate medical treatment.
Considering acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia?
If you're living with trigeminal neuralgia or recurring facial pain, you're welcome to arrange a consultation at Coburg Chinese Medicine.
We can discuss your symptoms, your current medical care, what you've already tried and how I approach acupuncture. I'm happy to work in collaboration with your existing healthcare providers, and there's no expectation that you need to discontinue other treatment.
What happens during an acupuncture consultation?
I begin by taking time to understand your experience of facial pain. We'll discuss when it started, which areas are affected, how frequently episodes occur, what the pain feels like and whether particular activities or sensations trigger it.
We'll also talk about any medical diagnosis you've received, investigations you've undergone, medications you're taking and other treatments you've tried.
Trigeminal neuralgia can be difficult to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it. I want people to feel they have the time and opportunity to describe their symptoms and ask questions.
I'll explain the proposed acupuncture treatment, including relevant risks and precautions, and take your comfort and individual sensitivities into account. You can discuss any concerns before deciding whether to proceed.
Where further medical assessment is appropriate, I'm happy to discuss this and work alongside your other healthcare practitioners.
Acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia in Coburg and Melbourne's northern suburbs
Coburg Chinese Medicine is a small, single-practitioner clinic located at 197 Sydney Road, Coburg.
I welcome people from Coburg, Coburg North, Brunswick, Brunswick West, Pascoe Vale, Pascoe Vale South, Preston, Thornbury, Fawkner, Glenroy, Reservoir and surrounding northern Melbourne suburbs.
My approach is patient-centred, with an emphasis on understanding individual circumstances, providing clear explanations and working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
Current consultation prices and opening hours are available on my Fees & Opening Hours page.
Frequently asked questions
What does trigeminal neuralgia feel like?
Trigeminal neuralgia commonly causes sudden electric shock-like or stabbing pain, usually affecting one side of the face. The cheek, teeth and jaw are frequently affected, although pain can occur in other areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve.
Can brushing my teeth or cold wind trigger trigeminal neuralgia?
Yes. For some people, ordinary activities such as brushing teeth, eating, talking, washing the face or exposure to cold air can trigger an episode of facial pain.
Can I have acupuncture while taking medication for trigeminal neuralgia?
You can arrange an acupuncture consultation while taking prescribed medication. We'll discuss your medical history and current treatment as part of the assessment. Any changes to medication should be discussed with your prescribing doctor.
What if my face is very sensitive to touch?
That's something we can discuss before treatment. I understand that even light contact can be uncomfortable or trigger pain for people with trigeminal neuralgia. I'll explain the proposed treatment and take your particular sensitivities and preferences into account.
Do I need a diagnosis before booking?
You can arrange a consultation to discuss your circumstances, although new, severe or unexplained facial pain should be medically assessed. Trigeminal neuralgia can resemble other conditions, and establishing an accurate diagnosis is important.
Book an acupuncture consultation in Coburg
Living with trigeminal neuralgia can affect much more than the area where the pain occurs. If you're considering acupuncture and would like to discuss your symptoms, current treatment and healthcare options, you're welcome to arrange a consultation.
At Coburg Chinese Medicine, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your circumstances, ask questions and consider acupuncture as part of your wider approach to healthcare.
Coburg Chinese Medicine
197 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC 3058
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Trigeminal Neuralgia: Symptoms & Treatment.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15671-trigeminal-neuralgia-tnNHS. Trigeminal neuralgia — Treatment.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trigeminal-neuralgia/treatment/He, H.-X., Li, Y.-X., Xiao, Y.-S., Fan, W.-H., & Xue, H. (2024). The efficacy of acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia: An overview of systematic reviews. Frontiers in Neurology, 15, 1375587.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1375587