Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. It causes painful sensations similar to an electric shock on one side of the face. The pain of trigeminal neuralgia is unlike facial pain caused by other problems. It is often described as stabbing, lancinating, or electrical in sensation and so severe that the affected person cannot eat or drink. The pain travels through the face in a matter of seconds, but as the condition progresses, the pain can last minutes and even longer.
The exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not known, but it is usually due to contact between a normal blood vessel, such as an artery or a vein, and the trigeminal nerve at the base of the 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, a brain lesion, or other abnormalities. In other cases, surgical injuries, stroke, or facial trauma may be responsible for trigeminal neuralgia.
Trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed based on a persons symptoms and medical history. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be used to rule out brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and other potential causes. The scan can show whether there’s a blood vessel pressing on the nerve that is causing pain.
Treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia include medications, surgery, and other procedures. Anticonvulsant medications are often used to treat trigeminal neuralgia, as they can help to reduce nerve impulses and relieve pain. Surgery may be recommended if medications are not effective or if side effects are intolerable. Some surgical options include microvascular decompression, stereotactic radiosurgery, and percutaneous procedures.
Unfortunately, trigeminal neuralgia is not preventable, but certain activities that cause severe, intense pain can be avoided to prevent painful episodes.
