Categories: Pain

Can CBD and THC help with Trigeminal Neuralgia (AKA The Suicide Disease)

I first heard about trigeminal neuralgia in medical school when we were learning about cranial nerves. I remember our instructor mentioning it’s “nickname” and I was like “what did you say”? Trigeminal neuralgia, often called the "suicide disease," is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation. The condition earned its grim nickname due to the severity of its pain, which can leave sufferers feeling hopeless. Luckily, modern medicine and holistic approaches now provide effective management options for this debilitating condition.

I’ve been on a nerve pain vibe lately due to my personal struggles with radiculopathy, pudendal neuritis, and sciatica (click the links to read what I shared). Fortunately, I don't personally suffer from this particular condition- but I have very close friends who have reached out to me for help because their wives suffer from trigeminal neuraglia superimposed with TMJ dysfunction.

I’ve learned a lot about the condition in my attempt to help my friends with their situations- which I’ll share with you in the post. We’ll explore the causes, symptoms, demographic data, diagnostic processes, and treatment options, including how cannabis and CBD can help manage symptoms. We'll also examine the link between trigeminal neuralgia and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, a condition that can exacerbate or even mimic trigeminal neuralgia. Hopefully this information will help someone who is seeking a little relief and beginning to feel hopeless. 🙏🏾

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic pain disorder caused by irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensory signals from the face to the brain. This condition is characterized by sudden, severe pain episodes that can feel like an electric shock. Even minor triggers like brushing your teeth or talking can provoke intense pain.

Types of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Type 1 (Classic): Sharp, episodic pain lasting seconds to minutes.
Type 2 (Atypical): Continuous, aching, or burning pain that is less severe but more persistent.

Common Causes:

Blood vessel compression near the nerve root.
Nerve damage from multiple sclerosis (MS).
Tumors pressing on the nerve.
Idiopathic cases, where no clear cause is found.

Symptoms include:

Intense, sudden facial pain on one side.
Pain triggered by routine actions such as eating or talking.
Episodes that worsen in frequency and intensity over time.

Pearls

The trigeminal nerve's unique anatomy makes it particularly vulnerable to compression, leading to debilitating pain.
Misdiagnosis is common, as trigeminal neuralgia can mimic conditions like dental pain or TMJ dysfunction.

The Relationship Between Trigeminal Neuralgia and TMJ Dysfunction

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a condition affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It shares overlapping symptoms with trigeminal neuralgia, such as facial pain and difficulty chewing.

How TMJ Dysfunction Contributes to Trigeminal Neuralgia

TMJ dysfunction can increase stress and tension in facial muscles, indirectly irritating the trigeminal nerve.
Chronic jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism) may exacerbate nerve sensitivity.

Differentiating the Two Conditions

While both conditions cause facial pain, TMJ dysfunction typically includes symptoms like jaw clicking, limited mouth opening, and pain directly in the jaw joint. In contrast, trigeminal neuralgia presents with sharp, nerve-like pain that radiates across the face.

Treating TMJ dysfunction, such as with bite splints or physical therapy, can reduce associated trigeminal neuralgia symptoms in some cases.

Pearls

TMJ dysfunction and trigeminal neuralgia can coexist, creating a cycle of chronic pain.
Effective treatment for TMJ dysfunction may alleviate or prevent trigeminal neuralgia flare-ups.

Who Is Affected by Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a relatively rare condition, affecting around 12 per 100,000 people annually. Certain demographic groups are more vulnerable:

Gender: Women are twice as likely to develop trigeminal neuralgia as men.
Age: Most cases occur after age 50, with aging increasing susceptibility.
Associated Conditions: Individuals with multiple sclerosis are at higher risk.

Socioeconomic disparities also play a role. Delayed diagnosis is more common in underserved populations, leading to unnecessary treatments like tooth extractions.

Pearls

Women over 50 are most commonly affected, highlighting potential hormonal and age-related factors.
Early diagnosis can prevent invasive and unnecessary dental procedures often performed on misdiagnosed patients.

Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia

Accurate diagnosis requires a detailed medical history and physical examination.

Diagnostic Tools

MRI Scans: Essential for identifying nerve compression or ruling out tumors.
Neurological Exams: Evaluate sensory and motor function in the face.

Differentiating trigeminal neuralgia from other conditions, such as TMJ dysfunction or dental problems, is crucial for effective treatment.

Pearls

MRI scans can detect vascular compression, a leading cause of trigeminal neuralgia.
Misdiagnosis delays proper treatment, often leading to unnecessary surgical interventions.

Traditional Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Treatment focuses on alleviating pain and addressing the underlying cause.

Medications

Carbamazepine: A first-line treatment effective in many cases but associated with side effects like dizziness.
Gabapentin: Often used when carbamazepine is not tolerated.

Surgical Interventions

Microvascular Decompression (MVD): A procedure to relieve nerve compression with a high success rate.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife): A non-invasive option to disrupt pain signals.

Pearls

Carbamazepine requires careful monitoring due to its impact on liver function.
Microvascular decompression offers long-term relief in over 80% of cases.

Holistic Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Holistic therapies provide complementary relief by addressing overall health:

Acupuncture: Proven to reduce neuropathic pain in some patients.
Mindfulness Meditation: Helps manage stress, a known trigger for pain episodes.
Dietary Support: Magnesium and omega-3 supplements promote nerve health.

Pearls

Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing facial nerve sensitivity.
A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients can improve nerve function.

Cannabis and CBD for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Cannabis and CBD are emerging as powerful tools in managing trigeminal neuralgia.

How They Work

CBD: Reduces inflammation and provides neuroprotective effects without psychoactive properties.
THC: Modulates pain perception by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors.

Routes of Administration

Tinctures/Edibles: Long-lasting, systemic relief.
Inhalation: Rapid relief but less suitable for sustained use.
Topicals: Target localized pain in the jaw or face.

Pearls

Combining THC and CBD creates a synergistic "entourage effect" for maximum pain relief.
CBD is ideal for patients seeking relief without the psychoactive effects of THC.

Wrapping It All Up

Trigeminal neuralgia, though debilitating, can be managed with a combination of traditional, holistic, and cannabis-based therapies. Early diagnosis is key to improving outcomes and preventing unnecessary interventions. Although CBD and THC (marijuaan/cannabis) aren't cures, they can be a helpful part of a multifaceted approach to managing the condition. For example, one of my friends' wives has undergone gamma knife, has had acupuncture, gabapentin, carbamazipine, changed her diet and uses CBD and THC tinctures to help manage the pain. If you’re suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, don't give up hope- you just may have not gotten to the right combination of treatments yet 🤞🏾

As always, if you’re considering new supplements or treatments, consult a healthcare provider first. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us- your interactions continue to inspire and guide me. If you’re exploring CBD products, I recommend starting with the trusted options available here (they’re my creations 😎)

Pearls