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Trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic condition causing intense, sudden facial pain, often described as a shock-like sensation that usually affects one side of the face. Caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve, TN can be very stressful and cause significant disruption to daily life.
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What is the trigeminal nerve?
Inside your head are the cranial nerves, 12 paired nerves that originate from the brain and primarily serve the head and neck. They are responsible for sensory functions like vision, taste, and hearing, as well as motor control of facial muscles and glands.
The trigeminal nerve is the largest of these cranial nerves. It has three main branches that cover different parts of your face:
- Ophthalmic Branch – Covers your forehead, eye, and upper part of your nose.
- Maxillary Branch – Covers your cheek, upper jaw, teeth, gums, and upper lip.
What are symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?
Common symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include:
- Sudden, severe, shock-like pain, that is often described as a jolt of electricity, stabbing, shooting, or burning.
- Pain in specific facial areas, usually affecting one side of the face, often around the eye, cheek, jaw, or gums.
- Pain that is triggered by everyday activities such as:
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- Touching the face
- Chewing, talking, or smiling
- Brushing teeth
- Washing the face
- Shaving
- Exposure to a light breeze or cold air
Though TN can affect everyone a bit differently, most cases share a few common characteristics:
- Brief attacks – Pain episodes typically last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes but can occur in rapid succession, making it feel continuous.
- Periods of remission – Patients may experience periods without pain, which can last for months or even years, followed by a recurrence of symptoms.
- Pain that tends to worsen over time – Episodes may become more frequent and severe if left untreated.
What causes trigeminal neuralgia?
The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is compression of the trigeminal nerve. This usually occurs when a blood vessel presses on the nerve as it exits the brainstem. This constant pressure can damage the protective myelin sheath around the nerve, leading to abnormal signals and intense pain.
Less common causes can include:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – This neurological disorder can damage the myelin sheath of the trigeminal nerve.
- Tumors – In rare cases, a tumor pressing on the trigeminal nerve can cause TN.
- Trauma – Facial injury or stroke can also lead to trigeminal nerve damage.
- Surgical Injury – Occasionally, dental or sinus surgery can irritate the nerve.
How is trigeminal neuralgia treated?
Twin Cities Pain Clinic offers clinically proven and minimally invasive options to treat pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia, including:
Schedule an appointment with Twin Cities Pain Clinic and discover how we can help treat your trigeminal neuralgia pain.
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