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Trigeminal neuralgia

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Nerves (Peripheral nervous system)

Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. The condition is characterized by intense, shooting or electric shock-like pain in the face, typically in the area of the cheek, jaw, or forehead.

The pain is often triggered by everyday activities such as talking, eating, or brushing teeth, and can be debilitating. Trigeminal neuralgia is most common in people over the age of 50, and is more common in women than in men.

The cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel or tumor. Other possible causes include multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.

Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia typically includes medications to manage pain, such as anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve. Treatment may also involve lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and practicing stress-reducing techniques.

Research Papers

Disease Signs and Symptoms

Jaw pain
Pain focused in one spot or spread in a wider pattern
Pain affecting one side of the face at a time, though may rarely affect both sides of the face
Pain in areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve, including the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, or less often the eye and forehead
Constant aching, burning feeling that may occur before it evolves into the spasm-like pain of trigeminal neuralgia
Episodes of several attacks lasting days, weeks, months or longer — some people have periods when they experience no pain
Bouts of pain lasting from a few seconds to several minutes
Spontaneous attacks of pain or attacks triggered by things such as touching the face, chewing, speaking or brushing teeth
Episodes of severe, shooting or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock
Gum pain
Toothache
Attacks that become more frequent and intense over time

Disease Causes

Trigeminal neuralgia

In trigeminal neuralgia, also called tic douloureux, the trigeminal nerve's function is disrupted. Usually, the problem is contact between a normal blood vessel — in this case, an artery or a vein — and the trigeminal nerve at the base of your brain. This contact puts pressure on the nerve and causes it to malfunction.

While compression by a blood vessel is one of the more common causes of trigeminal neuralgia, there are many other potential causes as well. Some may be related to multiple sclerosis or a similar disorder that damages the myelin sheath protecting certain nerves. Trigeminal neuralgia can also be caused by a tumor compressing the trigeminal nerve.

Some people may experience trigeminal neuralgia due to a brain lesion or other abnormalities. In other cases, surgical injuries, stroke or facial trauma may be responsible for trigeminal neuralgia.