Monday, October 4, 2010

Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia

Question: Is there any way to treat painful swelling of the facial nerves (trigeminal neuralgia)?

Dr. Blaylock’s Answer:

When I was a medical student and later as a resident, I had a great interest in this condition, and I worked with Dr. Peter Jennetta, an expert in trigeminal neuralgia surgery. While a number of surgical treatments are available, Jennetta’s has been the most successful. Yet, I found natural remedies helped a number of my patients.

A combination of curcumin and quercetin (500 mg each), mixed with extra-virgin olive oil and taken three times a day, reduces the inflammation of the nerve and promotes healing.

Magnesium citrate/malate (500 mg twice a day) reduces the pain, blocks excitotoxicity (which triggers the pain), and allows the nerve to heal. Phosphotidylcholine, which makes up a large part of the fatty insulation of the nerve, promotes healing as well.

The B vitamins, especially B-1, B-6, B-12, folate, and niacinamide, also promote nerve healing and improve nerve function. It is critical to avoid all excitotoxins in foods — MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, caseinates, carrageenan, autolyzed yeast, etc. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants is also important.

Other nutrients that reduce trigeminal hyperactivity include carnosine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and silymarin.

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