Finally A Cure for My Trigeminal Neuralgia: One Grateful Patient’s Journey to Facial Pain Relief
For more than four decades, Deyda Regalado lived with undiagnosed facial pain so severe it disrupted everyday life—chewing, speaking, even brushing her teeth. After countless appointments, tests, and medications that offered little relief, she finally received the correct diagnosis: Trigeminal Neuralgia. Under the care of Garni Barkhoudarian, MD, FCNS, at Pacific Neuroscience Institute®, Deyda underwent microvascular decompression surgery (MVD) to treat her trigeminal neuralgia. Just weeks later, she was pain-free and medication-free, regaining her quality of life. Read her journey below in her own words.
Living With Undiagnosed Facial Pain
“I can’t remember when it started, but I will never forget the intense facial pain I felt. I was in my 20s. It felt like an electrical shock in my mouth—very painful. I will never forget because it affected my daily life: brushing my teeth, not being able to chew, speaking, or working without severe pain.
The pain and frequency of it happening got worse over the years. No one could diagnose the cause of my pain. I saw my physician and my dentist, had teeth pulled, but still no relief. Then I saw an orofacial specialist.”
Endless Tests and Medications That Didn’t Work
“I had CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays done. I was prescribed medications – Gabapentin and then Carbamazepine – to help manage my facial pain. I had to stop taking Gabapentin because the side effects were too much for me to handle.
I found myself taking 260 pills a month with Carbamazepine toward the end. The side effects made me feel like I was losing control of my life, and I kept asking God to please take away my pain. I did a lot of crying.
My doctor referred me to another neurologist, who ordered another MRI and then sent me to a neurosurgeon to discuss my results. This was the day everything changed for me.”
Meeting the Right Specialist: Dr. Barkhoudarian
“I met Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian, who confirmed my results. I had Trigeminal Neuralgia. We had a long conversation about the cause of my facial pain. He explained and showed me my MRI, why no one had read my results correctly, and how to move forward with my treatment options.
We talked about the different surgeries available, including their pros and cons. I decided to go with Microvascular Decompression Surgery (MVD).”
Preparing for Facial Pain Surgery
“I made my decision also based on research I did, which included watching videos of the surgery and testimonials from other patients who had found pain relief. Surgery was scheduled for April 17, 2025. I couldn’t wait. I was so hopeful and knew Dr. Barkhoudarian was the one.”
A New Life After Surgery Without Pain or Medication
“Six weeks post-surgery, and with no more medication, I felt like my old self. There are no words to express my gratitude to Dr. Barkhoudarian, his surgical team, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, nurse practitioner Natasha Cueto, and the entire PNI team.
I also thank God that my story had a happy ending.”
Final Thoughts: A Hopeful Message for Others
If you’re searching for answers for how to treat trigeminal neuralgia, know that you’re not alone—and recovery is possible.
Deyda’s story illustrates the importance of accurate diagnosis, access to advanced trigeminal neuralgia treatment, and compassionate care. With options ranging from prescribed medicine to radiosurgery to microvascular decompression surgery, effective treatment solutions for trigeminal neuralgia exist.
If you or someone you love is living with facial pain or unexplained facial nerve issues, seek immediate care. Expert help can change your story.
About the Pacific Facial Pain Center
The Pacific Facial Pain Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute offers expert, multidisciplinary care for all types of facial pain and trigeminal nerve conditions. From medical therapies to surgical solutions, our goal is to provide lasting relief through personalized treatment plans.
Learn more or schedule a consultation: PacificFacialPain.org | or call at 310-582-7640
About Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian
Garni Barkhoudarian, MD, FAANS, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with a focus on skull base and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Dr. Barkhoudarian has a particular interest and expertise in pituitary and parasellar tumors, brain tumors, skull-base tumors (including meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, chordomas, and schwannomas), intra-ventricular brain tumors, colloid cysts, trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and other vascular compression syndromes.
About Natasha Cueto, NP
Natasha Cueto, MSN, APN, AGACNP-BC, is a Nurse Practitioner, board-certified in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, specializing in neurosurgery. She is committed to providing patients and their support systems with the utmost care and respect at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Brain Tumor, Pituitary Disorders, Hydrocephalus, and Facial Pain Centers by utilizing the knowledge and tools she has acquired over the years as a nurse.
Last updated: November 3rd, 2025