In many cases, no prevention is known. Treatment of associated disorders may or may not prevent development of neuralgia. A dental examination is used to rule out dental disorders that may cause facial pain . No tests are specific for neuralgia, but tests may be used to rule out other causes of the pain. No known cure exists for neuralgias.
Treatment is aimed at control of the pain.
This may include surgical removal of tumors or surgical separation of the nerve from blood vessels or other structures that compress the nerve. Narcotic analgesics such as codeine may be needed for a short time to control severe pain. Carbamazepine or phenytoin may be helpful for pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia . Antidepressant medications may be helpful to control pain in some cases. Other treatments may include nerve blocks or surgical procedures to decrease sensitivity of the nerve.