Objective: The trigeminal nerve, a cranial nerve that innervates the head and neck, supports both sensory and motor functions. Pathology affecting this nerve produces paresthesia or pain, a condition termed trigeminal neuropathy; when pain is the predominant symptom, it is referred to as trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia presents with severe, paroxysmal facial pain, typically involving the jaw, gingiva, and maxilla First-line management is pharmacological; if symptoms remain refractory, surgical intervention is considered.
Case Report: A Korean woman in her 50s presented with intermittent, severe pain in the maxillary region. She had been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia at a hospital and was taking the prescribed medication. She reported decreased concentration, anxiety, and gastrointestinal side effects. Anxiety associated with the paroxysmal pain was accompanied by fatigue and constipation. To address these symptoms, Ortho-Cellular Nutrition Therapy (OCNT), which consisted of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), anthocyanins, selenium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and psyllium husk, was initiated. After approximately 4 months of OCNT, the frequency and intensity of pain decreased, and her anxiety, fatigue, and constipation improved markedly.
Conclusion: Appropriate OCNT may help achieve meaningful improvement in trigeminal neuralgia and its associated symptoms. However, as this case report describes a single patient, further studies are warranted before extending these findings to other patients with trigeminal neuralgia.