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Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in San Diego, CA | Dr. Sanjay Ghosh 

Relief for Severe Facial Pain Caused by Trigeminal Nerve Compression 

Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, electric-shock facial pain that can make eating, talking, brushing your teeth, or even light touch feel unbearable. If symptoms are disrupting your daily life, expert evaluation can help you find lasting relief. 

Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, a board-certified neurosurgeon in San Diego, specializes in diagnosing and treating trigeminal neuralgia using medications, nerve-sparing procedures, minimally invasive surgery, and advanced radiosurgery options. 

Call (619) 810-1010 to schedule your evaluation. 

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia? 

Trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the trigeminal nerve—the main nerve responsible for facial sensation—becomes irritated or compressed. 
Most cases happen because a blood vessel presses on the nerve near the brainstem, causing misfiring and intense facial pain. 

There are two forms: 

  • Type 1 (TN1): Sudden, stabbing, shock-like pain episodes 
  • Type 2 (TN2): Constant aching or burning pain with intermittent shocks 

Triggers often include: 

  • Light touch 
  • Chewing 
  • Talking 
  • Brushing teeth 
  • Wind or cold air 

Without treatment, symptoms may worsen over time. 

Common Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia 

Patients often describe: 

  • Sudden, sharp, shock-like pain on one side of the face 
  • Episodes lasting seconds to minutes 
  • Pain triggered by simple activities (washing face, talking, eating) 
  • Burning or aching between attacks 
  • Fear of touching the face due to pain sensitivity 
  • Pain that comes in cycles—days to months 

If facial pain is intense, sudden, or triggered by touch, evaluation is recommended. 

How Dr. Ghosh Diagnoses Trigeminal Neuralgia 

Your evaluation may include: 

  • Symptom review and detailed medical history 
  • Neurological exam 
  • MRI to evaluate nerve compression or rule out other causes 
  • Assessment of pain patterns and triggers 
  • Review of prior treatments (if any) 

Clear diagnosis leads to a targeted treatment plan. 

Non-Surgical Treatment Options 

Many patients respond well to medication. 
Dr. Ghosh may start with: 

  • Anti-seizure medications (first-line treatment) 
  • Muscle relaxants 
  • Nerve-calming medications 
  • Lifestyle modifications to reduce flare-ups 

When medications fail or cause side effects, advanced procedures may help. 

Surgical & Minimally Invasive Options 

Microvascular Decompression (MVD) 

The most durable treatment for classic trigeminal neuralgia caused by blood-vessel compression. 
Dr. Ghosh uses microsurgical techniques to: 

  • Gently separate the blood vessel from the nerve 
  • Place a small cushion between them 
  • Restore normal nerve function 

MVD often provides long-lasting or permanent relief. 

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery 

A non-invasive treatment that directs focused radiation at the trigeminal nerve root to disrupt pain signals. 

  • No incision 
  • Outpatient procedure 
  • Gradual symptom improvement over weeks 

Ideal for patients who are not candidates for open surgery or prefer a non-invasive option. 

Percutaneous Procedures (Minimally Invasive Nerve Treatments) 

Performed through a small needle to target the nerve root: 

  • Glycerol rhizotomy 
  • Balloon compression 
  • Radiofrequency ablation 

These procedures interrupt pain signals and can provide significant relief. 

Which Treatment Is Right for You? 

The best option depends on: 

  • MRI findings 
  • Symptom pattern (TN1 vs TN2) 
  • Age and overall health 
  • Medication response 
  • Personal preferences 

Dr. Ghosh explains each choice clearly so you can make a confident decision. 

Related Conditions 

Facial nerve pain and sensory changes may overlap with other cranial conditions. Learn more about: 

  • Acoustic Neuroma – A benign tumor on the vestibular nerve that can cause facial numbness, balance issues, or hearing changes 
  • Brain Trauma – Prior injuries can irritate cranial nerves and mimic neuralgia symptoms 
  • Cerebral Aneurysms – Abnormal blood vessel dilation near the brainstem can affect nearby cranial nerves 
  • Ependymoma – Tumors in the ventricular system that may impact nerve pathways 
  • Glioma – Tumors arising from glial cells that can involve regions regulating facial sensation 
  • Hemifacial Spasm – Involuntary facial muscle contractions that may be confused with nerve pain 
  • Meningioma – Skull-base tumors that can compress the trigeminal nerve 
  • Pituitary Adenoma – Growths near the cavernous sinus that may alter facial sensation 

Why Patients Trust Dr. Ghosh 

  • Board-certified neurosurgeon with 20+ years of experience 
  • Expertise in trigeminal neuralgia surgery and radiosurgery 
  • Precision diagnostics using advanced MRI 
  • Skilled in microvascular decompression, radiosurgery, and percutaneous techniques 
  • Clear communication and patient-centered care 
  • Surgeries performed at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and accredited centers 

Patients rely on his thorough evaluations and realistic, personalized recommendations. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is trigeminal neuralgia curable?

Many patients experience long-term relief with procedures like microvascular decompression or radiosurgery. 

Yes, symptoms may become more frequent or intense if untreated. 

Relief often begins within weeks, with continued improvement over months. 

Yes. Radiosurgery or minimally invasive procedures are excellent options for older patients. 

It is usually one-sided, but rare bilateral cases exist. 

Serving Patients Across San Diego County 

Dr. Ghosh treats patients from Carlsbad, La Jolla, Encinitas, Mission Valley, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Mira Mesa, Hillcrest / Bankers Hill, Clairemont, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, Scripps Ranch, University City / UTC, and surrounding areas across San Diego County. His Mission Valley clinic is convenient and easy to reach. 

Find Relief from Facial Pain 

If sudden, electric-shock facial pain is affecting your daily life, expert care can help you regain comfort and confidence. 

Call (619) 810-1010 or request your consultation online to meet with Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, a trusted neurosurgeon in San Diego. 

 

Real Lives Transformed

Patients who regained strength and independence through precise, compassionate care.

Thank you to a man who comes to this church, who’s one of the great surgeons. He did something that’s pretty much impossible. His name is Sanjay Ghosh.
 Everybody wants to know who did Donna’s surgery — I’m just going to tell you straight out: it’s him. You do what you want to do with that, but that’s true. And he’s amazing, and we’re so grateful. He was a gift of God to us at this particular time.

Dr. David Jeremiah
Shadow Mountain Community Church 
Dr. David Jeremiah
Shadow Mountain Community Church 

For the most of my life, I have trained and presented wildlife in public conservation education programs and the media. My work is often very physically demanding and I have used the Senta Clinic and Dr. Sanjay Ghosh to treat my spinal issues and keep me able to continue my work and manage my pain.

Joan Embery
Wildlife Expert, and TV Personality
Dr. David Jeremiah
Shadow Mountain Community Church 
The greatest thing about the Dr. Ghosh is his empathy and compassion along with being a great surgeon. His professionalism speaks for itself as soon as you walk in his office. Today I am pain free both walking and running 5 miles a day and it has been more than 2 years.
Dr. Alicia Gwynn
Dr. David Jeremiah
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If you’ve been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma or are experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness, contact Dr. Ghosh to discuss the best treatment options for you. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.

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Meet Elisha
Elisha G.
Practice Relations Liaison

Proudly partnering with Elisha Green – Practice Relations Liaison.

Meet Lauren
Lauren G.
Assistant Office Manager

Lauren was born and raised in San Diego, California. She attended San Diego State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in 2013. She began her professional journey in the hospitality field where she discovered her passion for helping others and building relationships. This eventually inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, joining Sharp Healthcare in 2016 where she found great fulfillment in learning and growing within the medical field. Lauren began working with Senta Neurosurgery in 2017 supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh.

When not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, being an Auntie, traveling, and being outdoors.

Dr. Ghosh, I just wanted to take a moment & thank you again for all you have done for my husband, Benton (Rick) Coulter. June 26th he was brought by ambulance to Grossmont Hospital. That was the beginning of the scariest days of our lives. When we were told he needed brain surgery we were stunned, confused & not sure what to do. We asked for a second opinion by you. Within 30 minutes you were at Rick’s bedside. You were friendly, caring & confident. After examining him you told us he would need two surgeries instead of one. You even called me at home to answer our many questions. Thank you for treating us with such respect. You were available & patient as we tried to make a decision. Once we decided you were the right Dr. we had continuous confirmations that we had chosen the right one. We will be forever grateful to you! You saved my husband’s life and his sight. God used you in a mighty way & He answered our prayers. Thank you for all the work it took to be a Brain Surgeon & to help others like us. You are not only skilled but you are also caring. We appreciate you so much.
Sincerely, Karen Coulter
So far I have been taken great care of by Dr. Ghosh and his staff. Dr. G has spent quality time with me reviewing my symptoms and MRI’s etc that are a result of a day at a water park turn into one of the worst injuries I have ever had. What I appreciated the most was our efforts as a team to exhaust all options of pain management and PT before coming to the decision that no relief is in sight without surgery. I had already been referred to Dr. G’s office by other friends and patients so I’m very comfortable moving forward with Dr. Ghosh and his team.
Former Patient
I was referred to Dr. Ghosh by my corporate physician. She had heard good things about Dr. Ghosh. I went to several other neurosurgeons. They were all excellent but I just liked Dr. Ghosh’s confidence and frank manner. My surgery was quick and the result was excellent. My recovery time was minimal. The incision, with a little more time will be minimal and not noticeable. The pain I have felt for a long time is gone. I’ve noticed that others feel that Dr. Ghosh and Amanda did not spend enough quality time with them. My time with them was brief. I don’t need alot of hugs and hand holding. I just needed them to provide me with the information I needed to make decisions, which they did to my satisfaction. They are seeing alot of patients. I don’t think it would be fair to others if Dr. Ghosh and Amanda had to spend several hours caring for my psychological needs when all they really needed to do is fix my neck. Amanda is truly capable. I had an issue late on a holiday night. I called. They transferred me to her even though she was at a social event. I explained to her my concerns. She told me what to expect and under what circumstances to come back to the office.For those who felt abandoned and that they didn’t get enough time, you might find other surgeons even more unavailable. Dr. Ghosh stated he was starting to take less patients to try and spend a little more time with each patient. I hope he doesn’t. It won’t be fair to the people who won’t benefit from his talents. A special thank you to Dr. Ghosh and his team.
Former Patient
Meet Edith
Edith Smith
Director of Operations

Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child.  She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.

When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.

Meet Melissa
Melissa Padilla
Surgery Coordinator

Melissa has an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Office Administration. She has worked in healthcare for over 25 years. She started out working in a radiology department processing film and scheduling exams. Melissa joined Dr. Ghosh’s team in 2003 and uses her skills and experience to schedule Dr. Ghosh’s patients for surgery.  She is a fierce advocate for our patients throughout the entire prior authorization and scheduling process, and her goal is to make the scheduling of our patients’ surgeries organized and stress free so that our patients can focus on healing.

Meet Deborah
Deborah Updike
M.M.S, M.S., PA-C

Deborah is a California native. She attended American University in Washington, DC graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Environmental Studies. She was a college athlete, playing NCAA D1 volleyball all four years. She then attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a Masters of Marine Science in Shark Reproductive Physiology. During her first masters degree, she began transitioning into medicine and went on to receive her Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Deborah served as class Vice President. She graduated in 2017 and has been working at Senta Neurosurgery ever since. Deborah is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Meet Edith
Edith Smith
Director of Operations

Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child.  She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.

When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.

Meet Felix
Felix Regala
MPAP, PA-C

Felix was born and raised in Abilene, Texas where he graduated from Abilene High School in 2001. He was honored with the Chuck and Doris Moser Scholarship for his accomplishments as a varsity athlete in baseball and his excellence in academics and community service. He then attended Baylor University where he graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Felix then spent a couple of years working in the laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Johnson & Johnson. He then went on to the Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California to obtain his Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. Felix graduated from physician assistant school in 2010. While pursuing his PA degree at USC, Felix served as class president and spent time training in neurosurgery and orthopedic spine.  Felix has been a PA with Dr. Ghosh since May 2011.

Felix enjoys being active, including playing basketball, surfing, snowboarding, golfing, and exercising. Felix is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the California Academy of Physician Assistants.

Meet Amanda
Amanda W. Gumbert
M.M.S, PA-C

Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at San Diego State University in 2002. She worked as an Exercise Physiologist at the Cardiac Treatment Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla before going to PA School. Amanda graduated from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona with a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2005. She began working for Dr. Ghosh in January 2006 working as the senior Physician Assistant and manager of the PAs.   Amanda has spoken at the national level at the AAPA conference on various neurosurgical topics. She is highly committed to the future Physician Assistants and frequently has students shadow her and acts as a PA student preceptor. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants, and The San Diego Society of Physician Assistants.  Amanda is honored to be a finalist for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year— 2025 Healthcare Pioneer.

When not working, Amanda enjoys hiking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, snowboarding, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family.

San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women
2025 Healthcare Pioneer Finalist