Working with Your Provider

Find the Right Health Care Provider

There are many types of facial pain disorders with symptoms that are similar to trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Therefore, it is important to find a health care provider with experience in treating TN pain. Give the provider as many details about your pain as possible. This will help him or her make the right diagnosis. The wrong diagnosis can waste valuable time, lead to unnecessary (and unhelpful) procedures and prolong your suffering. Members of your TN health care team may include: 

• Primary care provider (PCP)
• Neurologist
• Neurosurgeon 
• Orofacial pain care specialist
• Radiologist
• Dentist

Your primary care provider (PCP) may be your first stop in finding pain relief. Ask your PCP to give you some names of neurologists, neurosurgeons and/or pain management clinics and centers. Or you may search the National Pain Foundation Pain Care Provider Directory. Schedule interviews with the providers you are considering. "Shop around" and compare the results of each interview until you are completely satisfied that your choice of a health care provider, clinic or center is the best one for you.

Some Questions to Ask During Each Interview

• How many patients with TN have you treated? How many patients have you treated who have pain similar to mine?
• Do you have a certificate in pain medicine or some other certification for treating TN? 
• What is your philosophy of pain management in terms of medications? How do you feel about using complementary therapies such as biofeedback, acupuncture, etc. for controlling pain?
• What types of medications do you generally prescribe? 
• What types of non-drug therapies do you use? 
• Where do you send patients who need additional treatment? 
• Is your clinic listed with any professional societies? (You can check this out yourself by going to the web pages of the professional societies listed on this web site.) 
• Do you have seven-days-a-week, 24-hour coverage if I need help?
• How will you communicate with my primary care provider (PCP) about my pain and medical care?

Find a doctor who is board-certified in pain medicine by the American Board of Pain Medicine or holds a special certificate in pain management from the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Ideally, the pain medicine doctor should work in a recognized pain clinic that includes several types of treatment. Remember that such clinics are not available in all areas of the country. Be aware that many doctors and other health care providers call themselves pain specialists, but may not be as well-trained or experienced in treating chronic pain conditions.

If medication alone does not provide enough relief for your pain, your neurologist or pain care specialist may refer you to a neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon will talk to you about injections and surgeries that may help relieve your pain. Again, “shop around” and schedule several interviews to help you find the best neurosurgeon for you.

Learn About TN

Whether you manage your pain with one or a number of health care providers, you play the key role in your pain care. Read books, medical information and articles on reputable Internet sites to learn as much as you can about TN. Go to the resources section on the NPF website for suggestions on books, organizations and articles. The more you know about treatment options, the more you can help yourself. You can ask better questions during medical appointments. You can have more control and understanding in making decisions about your care and treatment. You can also teach health care providers, friends and family about TN.

Resources

Patient Guide to Pain Care Providers
Tips for Finding a Pain Physician