What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is also called Tic Douloureux or Fothergill's disease. It is a neuropathic disorder characterised by sudden, usually unilateral, severe and stabbing pain originating from the trigeminal nerve.
Trigeminal neuralgia typically causes sudden, shooting facial pain that may be triggered by even a slight touch to certain areas of the face.
What Is the Trigeminal Nerve?
The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve. It is divided into three main branches.
- Ophthalmic nerve
- Maxillary nerve
- Mandibular nerve
Signs and Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
- The pain is usually sudden, shooting and severe.
- Even a slight touch to certain facial trigger points may bring on an attack.
- Trigger points are specific areas of the face that may provoke very severe pain when lightly stimulated.
- During an attack, a patient may find it difficult to touch the face, speak or even smile.
- Usually only one of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve is affected. Involvement of all three branches is rare.
- Pain is generally restricted to one side of the face, either the right or the left.
- Individual episodes are usually very short and may last only a few seconds, but they can occur repeatedly.
- During a severe attack, the pain may become agonising and can temporarily prevent normal activity.
- Simple activities such as washing the face or shaving may become difficult because they can trigger pain.
- Attacks may occur in cycles and can persist for a few weeks to several months.
- Over time, attacks may become more frequent and the associated pain may increase.
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are sensitive areas on the face where even mild stimulation may provoke an attack of trigeminal neuralgia.
Activities involving normal facial contact, such as touching the face, speaking, smiling, washing or shaving, may therefore become difficult during an active period of the condition.
How Does Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain Feel?
The pain described in trigeminal neuralgia is typically sudden and severe. It may feel like a sharp, shooting or stabbing pain affecting one side of the face.
Although an individual episode may last only a few seconds, repeated attacks can make the condition extremely distressing.
Trigeminal Neuralgia vs Toothache
Trigeminal neuralgia may sometimes be misunderstood as toothache. Because the pain can involve areas around the jaw and teeth, patients may initially believe that the problem originates from a tooth.
The original article notes that this misunderstanding can sometimes lead to unwanted dental treatment.
The original blog highlights that one feature used to differentiate trigeminal neuralgia from toothache is that trigeminal neuralgia pain does not occur during sleep.
Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Treatment depends on the individual condition and severity of symptoms. The original article mentions several medications that may be used in trigeminal neuralgia management.
- Anticonvulsant medications such as carbamazepine and phenytoin are mentioned as commonly used.
- If carbamazepine does not sufficiently reduce pain and symptoms, the article mentions sodium valproate as another option.
- Other medications mentioned include gabapentin and lamotrigine.
Medication for trigeminal neuralgia should be selected and monitored by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Surgical Treatment Mentioned for Trigeminal Neuralgia
The original article also lists surgical approaches that may be considered in selected cases.
- Peripheral neurectomy
- Lingual neurectomy
- Cryotherapy of peripheral nerves
Conclusion
Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve-related condition that can cause sudden and extremely severe one-sided facial pain. Even minor stimulation of facial trigger points may bring on an attack, making everyday activities such as touching the face, speaking, washing or shaving difficult.
Because trigeminal neuralgia can sometimes resemble dental pain, proper evaluation is important before undergoing unnecessary dental treatment. Management may involve medication or other treatment approaches depending on the individual case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trigeminal Neuralgia
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic disorder that causes sudden, severe and usually one-sided facial pain originating from the trigeminal nerve.
What is another name for trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is also known as Tic Douloureux or Fothergill's disease.
What are the three branches of the trigeminal nerve?
The trigeminal nerve is divided into the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches.
What can trigger trigeminal neuralgia pain?
The original article explains that even slight touch to specific trigger points on the face can provoke severe pain. Activities such as touching the face, speaking, smiling, washing or shaving may trigger an attack.
Does trigeminal neuralgia affect both sides of the face?
The article describes trigeminal neuralgia as usually affecting only one side of the face, either the right or the left.
Can trigeminal neuralgia be mistaken for toothache?
Yes. Facial pain from trigeminal neuralgia may sometimes be mistaken for dental pain, which is why proper diagnosis is important before dental treatment.
What treatments are mentioned for trigeminal neuralgia?
The original article mentions medications such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, sodium valproate, gabapentin and lamotrigine. It also lists selected surgical approaches including peripheral neurectomy, lingual neurectomy and cryotherapy of peripheral nerves.
