Treating trigeminal neuralgia with cannabis

By Esme Wang, 26.09.2024

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic condition that causes sharp, electric-shock-like facial pain. The pain is triggered by simple activities like eating or talking, making it difficult for patients to manage their daily lives.

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensations in the face to the brain. The pain experienced is often described as severe and stabbing, typically affecting one side of the face. TN can worsen over time, making it difficult for patients to perform daily activities without pain.

The symptoms of TN can be triggered by simple actions like brushing teeth or even a light touch on the face. These episodes can last for a few seconds to several minutes, and in some cases, the pain can become constant. This makes trigeminal neuralgia one of the most challenging pain conditions to treat effectively.

How is trigeminal neuralgia treated?

Traditional treatments for TN include anticonvulsants, pain medications, and surgical options, but their success is often limited. The effectiveness of these treatments can diminish over time, and patients may experience significant side effects. This has led many patients to explore alternatives such as medical cannabis, which offers a different approach to pain relief.

Traditional treatments such as painkillers and surgeries often provide only temporary relief and may have significant side effects.

Medical cannabis is gaining recognition as a potential solution for managing TN. Cannabis can target the endocannabinoid system to reduce pain perception, making it an attractive alternative to opioids or other strong pain medications. Patients are finding cannabis helpful in providing a more sustainable and natural approach to their pain management.

How does cannabis help with trigeminal neuralgia pain?

Medical cannabis interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating pain. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can help reduce nerve pain by altering how pain signals are sent to the brain. For patients with TN, this can result in significant pain relief and improved quality of life.

Unlike opioids and other prescription medications, cannabis offers a more natural and sustainable approach to pain management. Many patients report fewer side effects when using cannabis compared to traditional painkillers. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids can also help reduce the irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which contributes to TN pain.

Releaf offers tailored cannabis treatment plans that focus on addressing nerve pain in TN patients. With Releaf’s personalised approach, patients can find relief through specific cannabis strains and dosages designed to target the unique symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. This provides an alternative to those who have found little success with other treatment methods.

For patients with TN, Releaf Clinic offers an accessible and personalised treatment plan that leverages the benefits of medical cannabis. The clinic works closely with patients to find the right strains and dosages targeting trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.

To learn more, visit Releaf’s dedicated page on cannabis for trigeminal neuralgia.

NHS vs Releaf: Why is Releaf easier?

Access to medical cannabis through the NHS is highly restricted, with prescriptions only available for a few severe conditions. This means that many patients with trigeminal neuralgia may not qualify for NHS-prescribed cannabis treatments, leaving them with limited options for managing their condition effectively through public healthcare.

Releaf, on the other hand, offers a more accessible and patient-friendly option for those seeking medical cannabis.

Patients can book consultations quickly, receive personalised treatment plans, and access cannabis for a wider range of conditions. For TN sufferers, this means quicker relief and a more customised approach to treatment than the NHS can provide.

Releaf’s expertise in medical cannabis and its patient-first approach make it easier for TN sufferers to get the care they need. With ongoing support and the ability to adjust treatments based on progress, Releaf ensures that patients experience consistent pain relief. This makes Releaf a more convenient option compared to the NHS.

Why is cannabis a promising long-term solution for trigeminal neuralgia?

Medical cannabis offers a long-term solution for trigeminal neuralgia sufferers by addressing both the pain and inflammation that contribute to the condition. Cannabis can be adjusted over time to meet the evolving needs of patients, making it a flexible treatment option for those with chronic pain.

Traditional medications can lead to tolerance, requiring higher dosages to maintain the same level of relief. In contrast, medical cannabis offers the ability to adjust strains and dosages as needed, reducing the risk of dependency and long-term side effects. This makes cannabis a more sustainable option for long-term pain management.

For patients looking to integrate cannabis into their treatment plan, Releaf offers the guidance and support needed to ensure effective use. By working closely with patients to monitor their progress, Releaf helps ensure that cannabis treatments continue to deliver the best possible results for managing trigeminal neuralgia pain over the long term.