Pain Clinic
Facial Pains including Trigeminal Neuralgia
Overview
Overview
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that causes sudden, intense facial pain, often described as an electric shock-like sensation. It affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain. Even simple daily activities such as brushing teeth, eating, or touching the face can trigger severe pain episodes.Initially, the pain may occur as brief, mild attacks, but over time it can become more frequent, prolonged, and intense. This condition is more commonly seen in women and typically affects individuals over the age of 50.
Despite its severity, trigeminal neuralgia can be effectively managed with appropriate medical care, including medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical treatments.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:- Sudden, sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like facial pain
- Pain triggered by routine activities like chewing, talking, or touching the face
- Episodes lasting from seconds to minutes
- Repeated attacks over days, weeks, or longer periods
- Pain localized to areas such as the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, or sometimes the eye and forehead
- Pain usually affecting one side of the face
- Increasing intensity and frequency of attacks over time
Causes
Trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the trigeminal nerve is irritated or compressed. The most common cause is pressure from a nearby blood vessel on the nerve near the brain.Other possible causes include:
- Conditions like multiple sclerosis that damage nerve coverings
- Tumors pressing on the nerve
- Brain abnormalities or lesions
- Facial trauma or injury
- Stroke or surgical complications
Common Triggers
Pain episodes can be triggered by even mild stimulation, such as:- Touching the face
- Brushing teeth
- Eating or drinking
- Talking or smiling
- Applying makeup
- Shaving
- Washing the face
- Exposure to a light breeze
