Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes painful sensations similar to an electric shock on one side of the face. This chronic pain condition affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. If you have trigeminal neuralgia, even mild stimulation of your face — such as from brushing your teeth or putting on makeup — may trigger a jolt of excruciating pain.

You may initially experience short, mild attacks. But trigeminal neuralgia can progress and cause longer, more-frequent bouts of searing pain. Trigeminal neuralgia affects women more often than men, and it’s more likely to occur in people who are older than 50.

Because of the variety of treatment options available, having trigeminal neuralgia doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re doomed to a life of pain. Doctors usually can effectively manage trigeminal neuralgia with medications, injections or surgery.

Symptoms:

1. Episodes of severe, shooting or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock
2. Spontaneous attacks of pain or attacks triggered by things such as touching the face, chewing, speaking or brushing teeth
3. Attacks of pain lasting from a few seconds to several minutes
4. Pain that occurs with facial spasms
5. Bouts of multiple attacks lasting days, weeks, months or longer — some people have periods when they experience no pain
6. Pain in areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve, including the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, or less often the eye and forehead
7. Pain affecting one side of the face at a time
8. Pain focused in one spot or spread in a wider pattern
9. Pain rarely occurring at night while sleeping
10. Attacks that become more frequent and intense over time

Causes:

While the exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not always clear, several common factors have been associated with the development of the condition. Here are some of the known causes and contributing factors of trigeminal neuralgia:

1. Compression of the trigeminal nerve: The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is the compression or irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. The compression can be caused by blood vessels, tumors, or structural abnormalities in the area where the nerve exits the brainstem.
2. Multiple sclerosis (MS): Trigeminal neuralgia can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. In MS, the protective covering of nerve fibers (myelin) is damaged, leading to disruptions in nerve signals.
3. Nerve damage or injury: Previous trauma or injury to the face, such as from a surgical procedure, dental work, or facial trauma, can damage the trigeminal nerve and result in neuralgia.
4. Aging: Trigeminal neuralgia is more common in older individuals, and age-related factors may contribute to the development of the condition.
5. Genetic factors: Some cases of trigeminal neuralgia may have a genetic component, as there have been reports of familial clustering of the condition. However, specific genes associated with trigeminal neuralgia have not been identified conclusively.
6. Viral infections: In rare cases, viral infections such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can cause inflammation and damage to the trigeminal nerve, leading to trigeminal neuralgia.
7. Dental conditions: Dental problems, including infections, abscesses, or dental procedures that involve manipulation or irritation of the trigeminal nerve, can contribute to the development of trigeminal neuralgia.
8. Blood vessel abnormalities: In some cases, blood vessels in the vicinity of the trigeminal nerve may abnormally compress or irritate the nerve, leading to neuralgia.

It’s important to note that these factors may contribute to the development of trigeminal neuralgia, but the exact cause can vary among individuals. If you suspect you have trigeminal neuralgia, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Triggers:

A variety of triggers may set off the pain of trigeminal neuralgia, including:

1. Shaving
2. Touching your face
3. Eating
4. Drinking
5. Brushing your teeth
6. Talking
7. Putting on makeup
8. Breeze lightly blowing over your face
9. Smiling
10. Washing your face