What Vitamins Can Help Neuralgia Trigeminal

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that causes an electric shock-type pain to your face. Caused by the trigeminal nerve, the pain is physically and mentally incapacitating, and may increase in severity over time.

Significance

• Listed as a "rare disease" by the Office of Rare Diseases Research, TN affects less than 200,000 people in the United States, reports the Facial Pain Association (FPA).

Triggers

• Trigeminal neuralgia is triggered by the slightest touch to your face. Even chewing, shaving, or brushing your teeth may cause an episode, says the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Solutions

• Anticonvulsants---used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder---may be prescribed for pain, with surgery typically a last resort. Some TN patients combine or replace conventional treatment with vitamins and/or herbal remedies.

Vitamins

• Vitamins may strengthen your adrenal glands, easing neuralgic pain. According to the FPA, vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as B complex vitamins, can be taken as supplements or through food.

Herbal Treatments

• The U.S. National Library of Medicine says natural remedies, such as peppermint oil and devil's claw, can relieve pain. Consult your doctor before combining prescription medications and supplements.

Dietary Considerations

• The FPA reports some TN sufferers experienced less pain when they removed salty foods, saturated fats, sweets, and coffee or soda from their diet.