What does PTTN mean in MEDICAL

Painful Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy (PTTN) is a chronic disorder of the neurological system which affects the trigeminal nerve, causing extreme pain and discomfort to the patient. It can range from mild to very severe in intensity and affect any part of the face. In many cases, PTTN is caused by trauma or injury to the trigeminal nerve such as surgery or major dental work.

Common signs and symptoms of PTTN include facial numbness and tingling, burning or electric sensations, intense pain that can be sharp, dull, throbbing or radiating throughout the face. Other associated symptoms may include dry eyes, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), vertigo, difficulty speaking or swallowing, problems with taste sensation as well as issues with balance and coordination.

Painful Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy can affect anyone but tends to be more common in women between 30-50 years old who have previously experienced facial trauma or major dental work involving anesthesia. Also at an elevated risk are patients who have multiple sclerosis or diabetes.

Diagnosis for PTTN usually begins with a physical examination by a doctor who will check cranial nerves for any abnormalities. Following this a patient may also undergo special imaging scans such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT scan) or X-rays to get a better understanding of how extensive their condition may be. Additionally they may also undertake laboratory tests and nerve conduction studies to determine if there is any abnormality in their nervous system function.

Depending on the severity of symptoms experienced by the patient treatments for PTTN can vary greatly but typically involve medications such as anticonvulsants/neuroprotective agents, analgesics (pain relievers) steroids as well antidepressants all aimed at reducing pain levels essentially managing it rather than curing it altogether. For severe cases interventional treatments such as botulinum toxin injections into affected areas may also be prescribed by your doctor together with other forms of rehabilitative therapy like relaxation techniques including meditation yoga and breathing exercises.

Yes there can be side effects from medication used to treat PTTN depending on what type they are taking Doctors generally tend to balance out treatment options with risks versus benefits when prescribing medication so it’s best to discuss what you feel safe taking with your doctor first before starting any course of treatment Common side effects include nausea dizziness drowsiness headaches dry mouth constipation diarrhea increased appetite or weight gain fatigue insomnia excessive sweating blurred vision changes in libido or mood swings etc...

Yes there are several natural alternatives available that help manage painful traumatic trigeminal neuropathy These include regular massage sessions using warm oil acupuncture supplements like magnesium ginkgo biloba turmeric omega fatty acids amino acids vitamins B complex Vitamin C E & D etc.... Practicing mindfulness activities such as yoga meditation tai chi qi gong etc.... And lifestyle changes that involve good posture healthy diet exercise stress reduction techniques adequate rest etc....

Surgery is only recommended for those experiencing persistent severe intractable cases of Painful Traumatic Trigemital Neuropathy However most doctors do not recommend surgery until all other treatment options have been explored first due to its high risk nature especially when it comes down cutting into parts of important facial anatomy