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Trigeminal Neuralgia Center

The Trigeminal Neuralgia Center at Johns Hopkins provides comprehensive care and a full range of treatment options to patients suffering from this debilitating condition.

Our team of uniquely specialized surgeons and other providers works together with the goal of diagnosing trigeminal neuralgia, addressing the pain quickly and improving patients' quality of life.

Trigeminal Neuralgia: Leave No One In Pain

The pain of trigeminal neuralgia is unlike facial pain caused by other problems. It is often described as stabbing, lancinating or electrical in sensation and so severe that the affected person cannot eat or drink. This lecture by neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Lim covers symptoms and diagnosis and outlines several treatments that can offer hope. Watch the webinar in full screen.

 
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443-997-1808

What You Need to Know

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  • Trigeminal neuralgia is a specific facial pain condition, characterized by episodes of sharp, stabbing or electrical pain in one side of the face.
  • These episodes may be triggered by even light touch, brushing teeth, eating, drinking or talking.
  • It occurs more often in women than in men.
  • Trigeminal neuralgia may be caused by a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve, wearing away the insulation (myelin) and exposing sensory nerve fibers. Other causes can be tumors or diseases affecting myelin, such as MS. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
  • Trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis includes a detailed history or sometimes a CT scan or MRI or medication trials.

Patient Resources

Learn more about trigeminal neuralgia in our Health Library.

Why Choose Johns Hopkins for Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia?

 
Dr. Mike Lim

Our Physicians

Our team of trigeminal neuralgia experts treats hundreds of patients with this condition each year. We combine this expertise with compassionate care and treatment plans individualized for each patient.

 

 

Meet Our Physicians:

Center Director: Michael Lim, M.D.

Physician Assistant:
Ann Biser, PA-C
 

 

Our Treatments

The Johns Hopkins Trigeminal Neuralgia Center offers a range of treatment options for controlling the pain, including microvascular decompression and stereotactic radiosurgery as well as rhizotomy and medication.

Trigeminal Neuralgia: Frequently Asked Questions

Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Michael Lim answers commonly asked questions about trigeminal neuralgia, including its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and the possible treatment options.

Our Patient Care

Trigeminal Neuralgia | Michelle's Story

Michelle's debilitating facial pain from trigeminal neuralgia prevented her from working, speaking with friends and family, and simple pleasures like cooking and cycling with her husband. Watch as her life has turned around following microvascular decompression surgery by Dr. Michael Lim.

 

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Maryland Patients

To request an appointment or refer a patient, please contact the Johns Hopkins Trigeminal Neuralgia Center at 443-997-1808.
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Adult Neurology: 410-955-9441
Pediatric Neurology: 410-955-4259
Adult Neurosurgery: 410-955-6406
Pediatric Neurosurgery: 410-955-7337

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Whether you're crossing the country or the globe, we make it easy to access world-class care at Johns Hopkins.

Outside of Maryland (toll free)
410-464-6713
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International Patients
+1-410-502-7683
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