Trigeminal neuralgia is a medical condition that attacks the facial nerves. It can be painful and can make day-to-day activities like talking and eating very difficult and therefore harm a person’s life. Using traditional painkillers may not help decrease the pain of trigeminal neuralgia. Doctors may prescribe anticonvulsant medications for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, and these medications have many side effects on the user. This has made many people think if CBD could be of any help. Is CBD for trigeminal neuralgia a potent treatment plan? Read ahead to know.
Understanding The Medical Condition – Trigeminal Neuralgia
This medical condition is also known as tic douloureux and it hits the fifth cranial nerve. This nerve is also called the trigeminal nerve and hence the name. The nerve is a part of 12 pairs of nerves that directly connect to the brain and connects to the face with three branches, supplying the:
- Upper, lower, and middle areas of the face
- upper jaw and cheeks
- scalp and forehead
- lower jaw
When this nerve is compressed, it can bring about trigeminal neuralgia. The pain and discomfort due to the problem can interfere with the daily activities of a person and can severely affect the quality of life. This is why many people suffering from trigeminal neuralgia also suffer from anxiety, sleep issues, and depression.
Symptoms Of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Severe facial pain is one of the main symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. The pain can be unpredictable and sudden. Many people suffering from trigeminal neuralgia describes it as a shooting pain that can be severe and unbearable. Typically, it is only a side of the face that gets affected. When the problem is severe, the pain can occur more than a hundred times a day and the bouts can last for days, weeks, or even months.
CBD To Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia
It is common knowledge that CBD affects the endocannabinoid system to provide its health benefits. It is believed that the ECS plays a vital role in pain management and scientists are working hard to find out the role of ECS in managing pain. It appears that the ECS interacts with many other systems in the body and is closely linked with TRPV1 pain receptors. The TRPV1 receptors work to detect pain and heat and trigger healing responses. The interaction of CBD with these receptors can help control the pain from trigeminal neuralgia and can be effective in its treatment.