Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes sudden, severe facial pain, usually on one side of the face. The pain can last from a few seconds to several minutes, but it may occur many times a day. Symptoms often come and go — they may last for days, weeks, or months and then disappear for months or years. However, when the pain returns, it may be worse than before.

Causes

This condition may be caused by:

• Pressure or damage to the trigeminal nerve (the main nerve that carries sensation from the face to the brain).

• Triggers that can bring on an attack, such as:

  • Talking or chewing.

  • Brushing teeth.

  • Shaving, washing, or touching the face.

  • Applying makeup.

  • Exposure to hot or cold air.

• Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

• Tumors pressing on the trigeminal nerve.
  
  

Risk Factors

You are more likely to develop trigeminal neuralgia if you:

• Are between 50–60 years old.

• Are female.
  
  

Symptoms

The main symptom is sudden, intense pain affecting one side of the face. The pain may involve the:

• Jaw

• Lips

• Eyes

• Nose

• Scalp

• Forehead

• Cheeks
  
  

Diagnosis

• Physical exam with review of symptoms.

• Imaging tests such as CT or MRI may be done to rule out other causes of facial pain (e.g., tumors or multiple sclerosis).
  
  

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on severity and response to therapy. Options include:

• Lifestyle measures – avoiding triggers that bring on symptoms.

• Medications, especially anticonvulsants, to reduce nerve pain.

• Minimally invasive procedures, such as ablation, radiofrequency therapy, or radiation.

• Surgery, in severe cases when other treatments do not help.

• Complementary therapies, including yoga, meditation, acupuncture, or aromatherapy.

• Cognitive or behavioral therapy for coping with chronic pain.

It may take several weeks for treatment to provide relief.

Home Care Instructions

Managing pain:

• Learn strategies to cope with chronic pain — a pain specialist may be helpful.

• Consider counseling or joining a support group for chronic pain.

General care:

• Take medications exactly as prescribed.

• Avoid known triggers (e.g., chew on the unaffected side, avoid touching the face, stay away from cold air blasts).

• Keep all scheduled follow-up visits.
  
  

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your doctor if:

• Your medicines are not helping.

• You have side effects from medication.

• You develop new symptoms such as:

  • Double vision.

  • Facial weakness or numbness.

  • Hearing or balance changes.

• You feel depressed or overwhelmed by pain.
  
  

When to Get Emergency Help

Seek immediate care if:

• Your pain is severe and not improving.

• You develop suicidal thoughts.

If you ever feel like you may harm yourself or others:

• Go to the nearest emergency department.

• Call local emergency services 112

Summary

• Trigeminal neuralgia causes repeated, severe facial pain, usually on one side.

• It is often triggered by activities like talking, chewing, or touching the face.

• Treatment may include medications, procedures, or surgery.

• Recovery may take several weeks, and ongoing follow-up is important.
  
  

Note: This information is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.