K-ClinicTrigeminal Neuralgia vs Toothache: Korea Clinic Guide 2026
Trigeminal neuralgia is usually a sharp, electric-shock pain on one side of the face that lasts seconds to a few minutes, with pain-free periods in between, often triggered by washing, brushing teeth or talking. Toothache is usually constant. A doctor must confirm which it is. Barrrjung Korean Medicine Hospital in Seoul treats trigeminal neuralgia with acupuncture, pharmacopuncture and shockwave.
Dentist found nothing wrong with your teeth?
A sudden jolt on one side of your face, like an electric shock, gone within seconds. It may happen while washing your face, brushing your teeth or halfway through a sentence.
Many people's first thought is "something is wrong with my tooth", yet the dentist can't find a clear cause. In that case, consider another possibility: trigeminal neuralgia.
This article sets out the general way the hospital distinguishes the two, and how Barrrjung Korean Medicine Hospital in Seoul approaches it. One point first: a real diagnosis still has to come from a doctor's examination. This guide only helps you describe your symptoms clearly.
Trigeminal neuralgia vs toothache: how do they differ?
The hospital's explanation comes down to three points:
- Type of pain: Trigeminal neuralgia feels like an electric shock on one side of the face; toothache is usually constant pain.
- Duration: Trigeminal neuralgia usually lasts seconds to a few minutes, with pain-free periods in between.
- Triggers: Washing the face, brushing teeth and talking can set it off.
The hospital also notes that telling trigeminal neuralgia apart from toothache and atypical facial pain requires a doctor's examination. So treat this as a way to organize your thoughts, not a conclusion to reach on your own.
Why see a hospital that specializes in facial nerves?
Barrrjung Korean Medicine Hospital in Seoul focuses on facial conditions such as facial nerve palsy, trigeminal neuralgia and facial asymmetry.
Director Jeong In-ho, a Korean medicine doctor, is president of the Korean Society of Facial Medicine and of the Facial Palsy Research Society. The team has 7 doctors, both Korean medicine and Western medicine, who work together (integrated Korean-Western consultation) to identify the cause.
The hospital says it uses pulse diagnosis, palpation, imaging and ultrasound to find the cause before planning treatment. For facial pain that several departments couldn't explain, finding the cause first is the most practical first step.
Acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, shockwave: what does treatment involve?
For trigeminal neuralgia the hospital lists acupuncture, pharmacopuncture and shockwave, combined by the doctor according to your condition.
Pharmacopuncture and shockwave are non-insured items, and the hospital publishes their prices:
| Item | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacopuncture (neutral / bamboo salt) | Per injection | ₩10,000–30,000 |
| Extracorporeal shockwave C | 2,000 shots | ₩100,000 |
| Extracorporeal shockwave D | 4,000 shots | ₩150,000 |
| Pain Scrambler course A | 25 minutes per session | ₩100,000 |
| Pain Scrambler course B | 55 minutes per session | ₩200,000 |
The costs of basic acupuncture, the consultation and tests are not on the published list, so confirm them when you inquire. Pain Scrambler is an item on the hospital's price list; whether it suits your condition is up to the doctor.
The hospital's price list does not state tax (VAT) or a validity period. Actual treatment depends on the examination results.
What should I write down before I travel?
Trigeminal neuralgia comes and goes quickly, so it can be hard to describe once you are in the consulting room. Record your symptoms before you leave.
Materials the hospital suggests preparing:
- Medical records from your home country and imaging such as MRI or CT (on disc or as files)
- Date of onset and how the symptoms have changed
- Medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants and steroids
If you have seen a dentist at home, bring the dental results too, so the doctor knows what has already been ruled out.
Opening hours and trip planning
Barrrjung Korean Medicine Hospital is open every day, which suits short stays:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 09:00–20:00 (lunch break 13:00–14:00) |
| Saturday, Sunday and public holidays | 09:00–15:00 (no lunch break) |
The hospital is at 1485 Nambusunhwan-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, floors 1, 7, 8 and 9 of the Samnam Building. The nearest subway station is Sindaebang Station (Line 2).
The number of treatments and the interval between them are decided by the doctor after examination, so don't lock in your return flight yet. Tell us how many days you will stay through this website, and we will ask the hospital whether that is enough. Asking first is better than making a wasted trip.
How to book Barrrjung Korean Medicine Hospital through K-Clinic
The hardest part of facial pain is describing it clearly. With K-Clinic, you can use the "Request booking" button or the live chat on this website to get free advice and explain your symptoms before you travel.
Tell us where the pain is, how long each episode lasts, what movements trigger it and which departments you have already seen. We will check with the hospital:
- Which appointment slots are available
- Whether your length of stay is enough for the treatment schedule
- The costs not on the price list, such as the consultation, tests and basic acupuncture
- How to bring your imaging and dental records from home
Once your booking is confirmed, we will send you the arrival time and address. Actual treatment depends on the examination results.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell trigeminal neuralgia from a toothache?
According to the hospital, trigeminal neuralgia is usually a sudden stabbing pain lasting seconds to a few minutes, with pain-free periods in between, while toothache is usually constant. A doctor's examination is still needed to tell them apart.
How is trigeminal neuralgia treated at Barrrjung Korean Medicine Hospital in Seoul?
The hospital lists acupuncture, pharmacopuncture and shockwave therapy, combined by the doctor according to your condition. The actual treatment and number of sessions depend on the examination results.
How much do pharmacopuncture and shockwave cost in Korea?
The hospital's published prices are ₩10,000–30,000 per injection for pharmacopuncture (neutral / bamboo salt), ₩100,000 for extracorporeal shockwave C (2,000 shots) and ₩150,000 for shockwave D (4,000 shots). The price list does not state tax or a validity period.
How do I book Barrrjung Korean Medicine Hospital as an international patient?
Use the "Request booking" button on this website or the live chat, tell us your symptoms and how many days you will stay, and we will check available time slots and costs with the hospital for you.
Clinics in this article
Sindaebang Station (Line 2)
