Experience real nerve healing through our in-clinic and at-home programs, trusted by patients across the country. No drugs. No surgery. Just results.
Are you still living with the sharp, stabbing pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia — even after trying everything?
Do simple things like brushing your teeth, smiling, or eating trigger unbearable shocks of pain?
Are you scared the next flare could come out of nowhere?
You’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone.
By the time most people come to Chesapeake AIM, they’re in a dark place.
They’ve seen neurologists, had MRIs, tried medications like carbamazepine, gabapentin, or oxcarbazepine.
Some have even had injections or surgery.
They’ve been told to “just manage it.” Or worse — that nothing more can be done.
But they’re still in pain.
Still living in fear.
Still wondering how long they can go on like this.
Trigeminal Neuralgia is one of the most painful conditions known to medicine — and often
misunderstood. There’s a reason it’s called “the suicide disease”.
We help people with Trigeminal Neuralgia who are exhausted from trying everything — but still
holding out hope for a real solution.
And the truth is: it’s not too late. We’ve helped patients from all across the U.S. find lasting relief.
Trigeminal Neuralgia happens when the trigeminal nerve becomes damaged — often from vascular compression, trauma, or no clear cause at all.
The result?
Sudden, electric-shock pain in the face.
Burning. Tingling.
Anxiety about the next flare.
Medications that may dull the edge — but often stop working, or cause brain fog, fatigue, or worse.
But here’s the truth:
Nerves can heal — if you give them the right support.
At Chesapeake AIM, we use a personalized, drug-free approach designed to painlessly
stimulate nerve repair and restore your function. Our therapies are non-invasive, backed by science, and built around real results.
While most providers offer medication or surgery to manage the pain, we use therapies that go deeper — gently and painlessly stimulating the nerve cells to actually heal.
We combine two cutting-edge therapies:
A microcurrent treatment that delivers targeted frequencies to reduce nerve hyperactivity and promote regeneration at the cellular level.
A breakthrough oxygenation method that reduces inflammation and supports tissue healing at the root of the nerve.
Ideal for distance patients, with daily device use, bi-monthly reprogramming, and regular phone and live video support.
These are not “one-size-fits-all” solutions. Every program is customized to your symptoms, history, and goals — starting with a comprehensive consultation.
We’ve treated patients from all over the country who travel to our clinic in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Your initial consultation must be done in person, but after that, you can continue care from the comfort of your home using our distance care model.
We’re located just 30 minutes from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) and approximately an hour from Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD).
We’ll send you a personalized travel packet with information about local airports, directions, and a list of recommended hotels nearby — including several we partner with for discounted rates.
Our team is here to make your trip smooth and stress-free.
An initial consultation with Dr. Smithmyer is required to determine if you are a candidate for treatment. If you qualify, your first procedure can typically be performed the same day.
| Category | In-Clinic Program | At-Home Program (After Initial Visit) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | Conducted in-person at our clinic in Anne Arundel County, Maryland | Begins with an in-person evaluation at our clinic in Anne Arundel County, Maryland |
| Therapies | ATP Resonance BioTherapy™, O3 Reboot Therapy™, Electro-Acupuncture, and more | Specialized home-use device with personalized instructions and support materials |
| Frequency | 2–3 visits per week | Daily use from home |
| Support | Hands-on care with our licensed clinical team | Bi-monthly device reprogramming, plus phone and live video check-ins with our licensed clinical team |
| Best For | Patients within driving distance of our clinic | Patients from other regions or those who are home-bound — after in-person evaluation |
Whether you’re receiving treatment in our clinic or using the at-home program, our therapies are designed to be quick and painless. In-clinic sessions typically last about 30 minutes, while at-home device use fits conveniently into your daily routine.
The amount of treatment needed to support nerve healing varies from person to person. This is determined after a detailed evaluation during your consultation.
For in-clinic patients, treatments are usually scheduled 2-4 times per week until maximum improvement is achieved. For at-home patients, daily use of the therapeutic device, combined with bi-monthly reprogramming and regular remote support, guides your progress. Once optimal results are reached, a maintenance plan may be prescribed to prevent regression.
Many patients experience a complete absence of Trigeminal Neuralgia symptoms through consistent treatment—whether in-clinic or at home—even in severe cases that have persisted for years or even decades.
You don’t need to wait until it gets worse.
Even if you’ve been told “this is something you just live with” — we’re here to offer another path.
Early intervention gives the best results — but even advanced cases improve with the right care.
They’d been told:
Many patients report:
Dr. Jinell Smithmyer
With advanced training in the United States and China, over 9,000 treatments performed, and a specialty in complex, hard-to-treat cases, Dr. Smithmyer has built Chesapeake AIM into one of the leading neuralgia clinics in the country. Her team of expert clinicians supports patients nationwide with personalized, non-invasive care.
If you’ve been told nothing else can be done, we’re here to tell you:
Your story isn’t over.
Trigeminal neuralgia can be caused by a variety of factors, including compression of the trigeminal nerve by blood vessels, head or facial trauma, or post-surgical nerve injury. In many cases, the cause remains idiopathic—meaning no clear origin is found—though the symptoms are still very real and treatable.
Common triggers include light touch to the face, chewing, speaking, brushing teeth, shaving, or even a gentle breeze. These triggers can vary between patients, and what affects one person may not affect another. Stress, fatigue, and certain foods may also increase sensitivity. Understanding your personal triggers is an important part of managing trigeminal neuralgia and can help reduce the frequency of episodes.
While stress doesn’t directly cause trigeminal neuralgia, it can make symptoms worse and may trigger flare-ups in people who already have the condition. Stress can increase muscle tension, affect sleep quality, and lower your pain threshold, all of which can make trigeminal neuralgia episodes more frequent or severe. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, and stress reduction strategies can be an important part of overall treatment.
While food triggers vary by individual, many patients report that very hot or cold foods can trigger attacks. Spicy foods, acidic foods like citrus fruits, and foods requiring extensive chewing may also cause problems. Some patients find that softer foods and room-temperature beverages help reduce triggers. Keeping a food diary can help identify your personal dietary triggers so you can avoid them.
Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, electric shock-like pain along the trigeminal nerve, typically lasting seconds to minutes. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Syndrome usually causes aching pain in the jaw, often accompanied by clicking, popping, or difficulty opening the mouth. TMJ pain is typically more constant and dull, while trigeminal neuralgia pain is sharp and episodic. However, it is not uncommon for both conditions to occur together. At our clinic, we diagnose and treat both trigeminal neuralgia and TMJ Syndrome to help patients find lasting relief.
Yes, trigeminal neuralgia can qualify as a disability under certain circumstances. The Social Security Administration recognizes severe trigeminal neuralgia as potentially disabling, especially when it significantly impairs your ability to work or perform daily activities. The key factors are the severity, frequency of episodes, and how well the condition responds to treatment. Many patients find that proper treatment can help them return to normal activities
Yes. Many of our patients come to us after trying medications, injections, or even surgery—often with little or no lasting relief. While conventional treatments aim to suppress symptoms, our approach focuses on gently stimulating nerve regeneration and repair. For those whose trigeminal neuralgia hasn’t responded to standard care, this natural, non-invasive method can offer meaningful, lasting relief—and a return to functional independence and improved quality of life.
Yes. Many of our patients seek us out after years of medication use or even failed surgeries. Our therapies are designed to support the body’s natural nerve repair processes, offering relief even in chronic or treatment-resistant cases. Whether you’re still on medication or recovering from surgery, our approach can help restore nerve function and reduce symptoms over time.
Common side effects of carbamazepine include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and double vision. More serious side effects can include liver problems, blood disorders, and skin reactions. Gabapentin may cause fatigue, weight gain, and cognitive difficulties. Many patients find these side effects significantly impact their quality of life. Additionally, these medications often become less effective over time, requiring higher doses or additional medications.
Trigeminal neuralgia typically follows a pattern of episodes and remissions. Episodes can last from days to months, followed by pain-free periods that may last weeks, months, or even years. However, the condition often progresses over time, with episodes becoming more frequent and severe. Without proper treatment, many find that remission periods shorten and pain episodes become more intense. Early intervention with treatment that supports true nerve healing can disrupt this cycle and provide lasting relief.
Surgical procedures like microvascular decompression or gamma knife have varying success rates, and symptoms can return months or years later. This may happen because the underlying nerve irritation wasn’t completely resolved, scar tissue developed, or the condition progressed. Some patients experience partial relief initially but find symptoms gradually return. The success of surgery can depend on the underlying cause of your trigeminal neuralgia and individual factors.
Yes. We regularly work with patients from across the U.S. who travel to our clinic for a one-time in-person consultation. After that, your entire treatment plan can be carried out from home through our distance care model. We’ll provide a detailed travel guide and make sure every step of the process—from arrival to ongoing support—is seamless and stress-free.
Many patients choose to travel to us after exhausting conventional options closer to home. What sets us apart is our specialized, integrative approach—designed specifically for trigeminal neuralgia—that often isn’t available locally. Our team has extensive experience treating this complex condition, and we combine multiple non-invasive therapies to promote real nerve healing. After your initial in-person evaluation, we offer a remote care model to minimize the need for repeated travel while ensuring you continue to receive expert support throughout your treatment.
Absolutely. We encourage patients to gather all the information they need to make an informed decision. During your consultation, we’ll provide detailed information about our approach and realistic expectations. You’re welcome to discuss this information with your current healthcare providers. We believe that informed patients make the best treatment decisions.
The number of treatments depends on several factors, including how long you’ve had symptoms, their severity, and how your body responds to treatment. During your consultation, we’ll assess your condition and provide a personalized treatment plan with a clear timeline. Some patients experience noticeable relief within a few weeks, while others may require several months for meaningful improvement. We closely track your progress and make adjustments to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Response times vary by individual, but many patients begin noticing improvements within 4-6 weeks of starting treatment. Some may notice changes sooner, while others with more complex or long-standing cases may take longer to respond. We track your progress carefully and look for gradual improvements in pain frequency, intensity, and duration of episodes. Consistent treatment is important for achieving optimal results.
While our goal is long-term relief, some patients may require periodic maintenance treatments to sustain their progress. When appropriate, we create individualized maintenance plans tailored to your needs. If symptoms reappear, we reassess your condition to identify any changes and adjust your treatment accordingly. Many patients find that if symptoms do return, they are typically milder and more manageable than before starting therapy.
Our treatments are designed to be completely pain-free and non-invasive. Many patients find the treatment sessions relaxing. Unlike some conventional treatments that may involve injections or surgical procedures, our approach uses gentle, painless therapies. You should never experience additional pain during treatment – if anything, many patients report feeling more comfortable during and after sessions.
Our comprehensive evaluation helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific case. We provide transparent pricing during your consultation and can discuss payment options. Patients who invest in our treatment programs often report not only significant pain reduction but also tremendous improvements in daily function, independence, and overall quality of life.
Every patient responds differently to treatment, which is why we begin with a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you’re a candidate for treatment. During your consultation, we’ll discuss realistic expectations based on your specific case. We track progress closely and adjust treatment plans as needed.
We absolutely understand this concern—many of our patients come to us after exhausting other options that didn’t work. That’s why we begin with a detailed evaluation to determine whether you’re a good fit for our treatment approach. We’re honest about what we can and cannot help with, and we don’t move forward with patients who are unlikely to benefit. Our priority is to give you clarity, set realistic expectations, and help you make an informed, confident decision about your care.
© 2026 Chesapeake Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine
The information contained on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, or intervene in any medical condition. The circumstances of each patient are different. Treatment is offered only after an appropriate medical consultation and assessment. Outcomes are never guaranteed. Individual results may vary.
