Trigeminal neuralgia treatment in Wokingham, Berkshire

Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, severe, electric-shock-like pain in the face and is one of the most painful conditions known. At the Wokingham Therapy Clinic we offer acupuncture as a supportive treatment alongside your medical care, to help reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.

On this page

1. About trigeminal neuralgia
2. Common causes and triggers
3. Symptoms
4. How we help
5. Research and evidence
6. Self-help advice
7. Our acupuncturist

1. About trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It is most often caused by a blood vessel pressing on the nerve, irritating it and producing intense bursts of pain.

It should always be assessed and managed by a doctor, as medication (and in some cases surgery) is the mainstay of treatment. Acupuncture is used as a complementary, supportive therapy alongside medical care – not as a replacement for it.

2. Common causes and triggers

• A blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve (the most common cause)
• Less commonly, multiple sclerosis or a tumour affecting the nerve
• Attacks triggered by light touch – washing, shaving, brushing teeth or applying make-up
• Eating, drinking, talking or smiling
• A cold breeze on the face
• Vibration, such as walking or travelling in a vehicle

3. Symptoms

• Sudden, severe, stabbing or electric-shock-like facial pain
• Pain on one side of the face, often around the cheek or jaw
• Brief attacks lasting from seconds to a couple of minutes
• Episodes that may occur in quick succession
• Pain triggered by light touch or everyday activities
• Periods of remission between bouts of attacks

4. How we help

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used as a supportive treatment for trigeminal neuralgia alongside medical management. It works by modulating the way pain signals are processed in the nervous system, calming nerve over-excitability and stimulating the body's own pain-relieving mechanisms, which may help reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks for some people.

Working alongside your doctor

Trigeminal neuralgia requires medical diagnosis and treatment. We work alongside your GP and specialist, and would always encourage you to continue your prescribed medication. Acupuncture is offered as a complementary therapy to support your overall comfort and wellbeing.

5. Research and evidence

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Acupuncture in Medicine reported that acupuncture may be as effective as carbamazepine for primary trigeminal neuralgia, with fewer side effects, although the authors noted that larger, higher-quality trials are needed. Acupuncture is therefore best considered a supportive option alongside conventional medical care.

6. Self-help advice

• Keep a diary of attacks and their triggers to share with your doctor
• Eat soft foods and lukewarm drinks during a flare-up to reduce triggering
• Protect your face from cold wind with a scarf
• Use a soft toothbrush and gentle washing technique
• Take prescribed medication exactly as directed and review it with your doctor
• Manage stress and tiredness, which can worsen pain

Our acupuncturist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MRCHM

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 25 years. He is passionate about empowering people with the ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine through lifestyle and diet.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto practises acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping from his own acupuncture clinic in Wokingham. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and practises traditional Chinese acupuncture.