Navigating Trigeminal Neuralgia – Diagnosis and Management Strategies, with Dr. Thomas Robbins

Everyday Oral Surgery

Even when a procedure is done perfectly, dentists can and do cause neuropathic pain. During this episode, we discuss how to diagnose the spectrum of trigeminal neuralgia, how to approach management, and how to mitigate damage during treatment. Expert Dr. Thomas Robbins joins us and shares insights from his vast experience in addressing this condition. From symptoms and the diagnostic process to approaching cases with little to no images, bloodwork, and more, this episode is a detailed crash course on proven strategies and identification techniques. Dr. Robbins touches on different reasons that trigeminal neuropathy may occur and explains why he chooses to focus on this and emphasize it. We also get into the brain’s role in amplifying pain. You’ll also hear about the screening process for temporomandibular disorders. Tune in for a highly informative conversation with today’s expert.

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief history of Dr. Robbins’ career history and current practice.
• The experience that led him to focus on facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, and headaches.
• How trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed.
• Symptoms to expect from different types of trigeminal neuralgia.
• Why thorough investigation is necessary.
• How to approach cases where there is little or no imaging.
• The appropriate time to do bloodwork.
• Different procedures to address trigeminal neuralgia.
• Mitigating damage during treatment.
• How Dr. Robbins differentiates between trigeminal neuralgia and post-procedure neuropathy.
• Understanding that dentists can and do cause neuropathic pain, even from the most perfectly well done procedure.
• How the brain can amplify pain.
• Different reasons that trigeminal neuropathy can occur and why Dr. Robbins emphasizes them.
• Pain management and medication.
• Flare ups that may occur and how to treat them.
• Screening for temporomandibular disorders.
• Quick-fire questions including Dr. Robbins’ relationship with reading and how he cares for his mental health.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Thomas Robbins Email — [e-mail]

Dr. Thomas Robbins on TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_tjrobbins

The International Classification of Headache Disorders — https://ichd-3.org/

New International Classification of Orofacial Pain — https://orofacialpain.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Link-7-Pigg-et-al-2020-JOE.pdf

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [e-mail]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059