Trigeminal neuralgia is also known as tic douloureux. It is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for providing sensation to the face and controlling the muscles used in chewing.

Trigeminal neuralgia can cause severe, stabbing pain in the face, and it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. It is sometimes described as one of the worst pains a person can experience.

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the trigeminal or fifth cranial nerve, one of the most widely distributed nerves in the head.

This nerve sends impulses of touch, pain, pressure, and temperature to the brain from the face, jaw, gums, forehead, and around the eyes. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by sudden, severe electric shock-like or stabbing pain usually on one side of the face. The pain normally lasts several seconds to a few minutes.

Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia

The exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is often not known. However, it is usually attributed to pressure on the trigeminal nerve. This could be due to a blood vessel or tumor pressing on the nerve. Sometimes, the nerve is damaged due to multiple sclerosis.

In some cases, the cause is unknown.

Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

The primary symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is intense pain in the face. The pain is usually sudden, severe, and often described as stabbing or electric. The pain can last for just a few seconds or minutes, but can sometimes become continuous.

The affected area is usually on one side of the face, often around the eye, cheek, teeth or jaw. The pain may be triggered by simple actions such as touching the face, talking, eating, or brushing teeth.

Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia

Since trigeminal neuralgia is considered a rare disorder, it is often misdiagnosed or even undiagnosed for years. Making a diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation of symptoms, physical examination, and medical history.

A neurologist may conduct a palpation test, tapping different areas of the face, to assess the extent of pain. Other diagnostic procedures that can help diagnosis include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan and computed tomography (CT) scan.

Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

There is no cure for trigeminal neuralgia. However, several treatments can reduce the pain. Some treatment options include:.

Medication: Certain drugs such as anti-seizure drugs or muscle relaxers can be prescribed to help alleviate the pain.
Surgery: Some surgical procedures may be effective in reducing pain in people with trigeminal neuralgia. Microvascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve is one of the most common surgical procedures used to treat trigeminal neuralgia.
Ablative therapies: Procedures such as radiofrequency thermocoagulation or stereotactic radiosurgery, may be used to damage or destroy the nerve fibers that cause pain.

Living with Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia can be a debilitating condition, and it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Patients may have difficulty performing daily activities such as talking, chewing, and brushing their teeth.

The pain can make it difficult for people to get restful sleep. Many patients with trigeminal neuralgia feel isolated and alone. It is important to seek support from a community, be it friends, family, or a support group.

Living with trigeminal neuralgia requires a few lifestyle changes. These steps can help to minimize pain and discomfort:.

Avoiding triggers of pain such as chewing or cold air on the face.
Dietary adjustments can be made to avoid eating foods that cause pain.
Practicing stress-relieving techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises can alleviate symptoms.

Conclusion

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder that can cause severe, stabbing pain in the face. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

A combination of medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes can help to manage the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, speak with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.