Excited to announce the launch of SPRAVATO®..... Click Here to Learn More →
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is widely regarded as one of the most intense and life-altering forms of chronic nerve pain. Marked by spontaneous, electric shock–like surges of facial pain, this condition typically impacts one side of the face and can be set off by something as subtle as brushing your teeth, chewing food, or even a light breeze. For individuals living with TN, routine actions become unpredictable sources of agony—dramatically affecting their daily functioning, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life.
The root of this condition lies deep within the nervous system. Trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the trigeminal nerve becomes compressed, inflamed, or otherwise impaired, leading to exaggerated pain signals being transmitted to the brain. Over time, these faulty pain responses can become hardwired into the central nervous system, resulting in frequent and worsening pain that standard medications and even surgical interventions often fail to resolve effectively—or without significant side effects.
At Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center in Franklin, we offer a different path forward. Our clinic specializes in intravenous ketamine therapy, a modern, evidence-supported treatment designed to directly influence the neurochemical origins of trigeminal neuralgia. Rather than masking pain temporarily, ketamine works within the brain and spinal cord to disrupt abnormal pain signaling—helping patients find real, sustainable relief from debilitating facial pain.
Trigeminal neuralgia begins when the trigeminal nerve becomes hyperactive, misinterpreting harmless stimuli—like a gentle touch or normal jaw movement—as severe pain. This neurological error stems from dysregulation within the central nervous system and, without proper intervention, can lead to the establishment of long-term pain circuits that become increasingly difficult to treat.
Ketamine operates as an NMDA receptor antagonist, which means it prevents glutamate—a neurotransmitter involved in pain amplification—from overfiring. This action interferes with the hyperactive pathways that sustain chronic pain, effectively reducing nerve excitability and calming the central nervous system. The result? Relief from both the intensity and frequency of pain episodes.
Patients undergoing ketamine infusions at our Franklin clinic frequently describe reduced sensitivity to facial triggers, fewer attacks, and improved ability to chew, talk, smile, and function socially—all without fearing another lightning-bolt of pain. These results often become evident within a few weeks of starting a properly structured treatment plan.
Trigeminal neuralgia rarely responds well to opioids, and long-term use of narcotics can lead to dangerous dependency. Ketamine offers an effective, non-addictive solution that works by changing how the nervous system processes pain—rather than dulling the senses temporarily.
Unlike many conventional treatments that take weeks or months to build up efficacy, ketamine infusions can begin delivering results within the first few sessions. This rapid onset is particularly valuable for those whose pain is both severe and unpredictable.
Ketamine promotes positive neuroplasticity—allowing the brain to reorganize itself and disrupt pain memory circuits. For many individuals, this translates into long-lasting improvements that endure weeks or even months after the initial infusion series.
Trigeminal neuralgia presents differently for everyone. At Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center, we create a custom-tailored infusion plan that reflects your specific symptoms, medical history, and pain response. Infusion dosage and frequency are adjusted as needed to ensure optimal comfort and therapeutic effect.
Each treatment session takes place in a quiet, private suite within our Franklin clinic. You’ll be monitored continuously by experienced clinicians who ensure your safety, stability, and comfort from start to finish. We prioritize one-on-one care in a supportive, professional setting.
Living with trigeminal neuralgia can make even the simplest moments unbearable—but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’ve tried conventional medications or procedures without success, or if you’re seeking a treatment that targets the root of your pain instead of just covering it up, ketamine therapy may offer the breakthrough you’ve been hoping for.
At Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center in Franklin, our mission is to help you find relief, restore functionality, and reclaim your life from chronic facial pain—using advanced care backed by science and delivered with compassion.
Call today or request a consultation online to learn how personalized IV ketamine therapy can help you move beyond pain. Our Franklin-based clinic is here to support you every step of the way.
Conditions Treated
1909 Mallory Lane, Suite 300, Franklin, TN 37067
[vc_row height=”small”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
RN & Clinical Manager
Trina Haag is a highly experienced and compassionate Registered Nurse with over 15 years of expertise in patient care and advocacy. Her diverse background includes roles as a Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, and Registered Nurse specializing in ICU and perioperative care. In addition to her clinical skills, Trina has successfully managed medical offices, where she excelled in delivering exceptional customer service and personalized patient care.
Trina’s commitment to patient advocacy is evident through her involvement with the National Patient Advocacy Foundation, where she passionately supports patient rights and quality healthcare. Her dedication to individualized care ensures that every patient at TNKWC receives the highest level of compassionate and personalized treatment.
Outside of her professional life, Trina values time spent with her family, including her loving husband, her daughter who brings joy to her days, and their loyal furry friend.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”568″ style=”shadow-2″][us_separator][us_btn label=”Schedule A Consultation” link=”url:%2Fcontact%2F|title:Contact” width_type=”1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row height=”small”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Dr. Rachel Rome is a board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist with a deep expertise in regenerative medicine and palliative care. Her commitment to individualized patient care, innovative treatment approaches, and her prioritization of utilizing a holistic approach has made her a respected figure in the medical community.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Witnessing the transformative impact of ketamine on patients suffering from depression and chronic pain, Dr. Rome pursued advanced training in ketamine administration. In November 2021, she founded Mindful Infusions of TN, a concierge ketamine and wellness clinic, where she served as Medical Director. In addition, she has had the privilege of serving the local community at several clinics including David Price Regenerative Medical Center, LifeLinc Pain, and Empatia Palliative Care.
Dr. Rome earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Christian Brothers University and her medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis. She completed her residency in anesthesiology and a fellowship in pain management at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. She is an active member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”599″ style=”shadow-2″][us_separator][us_btn label=”Schedule A Consultation” link=”url:%2Fcontact%2F|title:Contact” width_type=”1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row height=”small”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Dr. Malchow served as an anesthesiologist for 25 years in the armed forces before retiring as a colonel in 2008. He then became an associate professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where he was the first Vanderbilt physician to offer intensive ketamine infusion therapy in 2014. In 2015, he established one of the few ketamine infusion centers (KIC) in the Veteran Health Administration and the only KIC in the U.S. specifically targeting opioid cessation/reduction.
He is an acknowledged U.S. expert on ketamine administration, having presented his extensive experience with ketamine in the veteran population at the American Society of Ketamine Physicians in 2018 and has given multiple lectures regarding the use of ketamine to national audiences in 2021. Dr. Malchow has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and serves regularly on worldwide medical missions supporting those in need.
Dr. Malchow is honored to serve as the Medical Director for the Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center to provide compassionate and competent care for those suffering from depression, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and opioid dependence.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”162″ style=”shadow-2″][us_separator][us_btn label=”Dr. Malchow’s Full CV” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F03-2021-Malchow-CV.pdf|target:_blank” width_type=”full” icon=”fas|file-alt”][us_btn label=”Schedule A Consultation” link=”url:%2Fcontact%2F|title:Contact” width_type=”1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]