Trigeminal Neuralgia

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia means nerve pain in the face, teeth, mouth, or nasal cavity. Attacks of pain may occur on one or both sides of the face. Trigeminal neuralgia is also called tic douloureux.

Trigeminal neuralgia occurs most often in women over age 40, although it may occur in men or women of any age.

How does it occur?

The causes are not well understood. The problem may result from:

• a short circuit between nerves that sense pain and touch
• multiple sclerosis
• infection of the nerve by the herpes simplex virus.

An attack usually follows some sort of trigger. Possible triggers are:

• a light touch to the area
• brushing teeth
• chewing or swallowing
• exposure to hot or cold air or drinks.

What are the symptoms?

An attack of trigeminal neuralgia often brings stabbing or burning pain that comes in sudden jabs. The pain may last 1 to 15 minutes. The most common areas of attack are the cheeks and jaw. The frequency of the attacks varies from person to person. Between attacks, most people do not have pain, but some may have a dull ache.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will examine you. Tests may be needed to rule out other causes of pain, such as infections of the teeth or sinuses. You may have a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) to check for multiple sclerosis or a tumor as a cause of the pain. Your provider may refer you to a neurologist or neurosurgeon for more tests.

How is it treated?

Anticonvulsant medicines, muscle relaxants, and antianxiety medicines may help to relieve pain.

If medicine does not provide relief, you might consider surgery. Part of the nerve can be removed with surgery. After surgery, the affected area will not be painful, but you will also not have feeling in that area. This means that you must be very careful to watch for future physical problems that are usually noticed because they cause pain, such as:

• burns
• dry eyes (when the blink reflex has been lost)
• chewing-related problems and gum and dental problems.

Some people may find pain is reduced or relieved by acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, self-hypnosis, or meditation.

How long will the effects last?

The problem appears suddenly and may get better on its own. It may also disappear for months or years and then come back.

How can I help take care of myself?

Keeping a pain diary may help you to see which activities or conditions cause your pain. Then you will know what you need to avoid.

Treating pain at the very first symptom may keep it from becoming as severe, and the pain may last a shorter time.

How can I help prevent trigeminal neuralgia?

There are no known ways to prevent trigeminal neuralgia.

For more information, contact:

• The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (TNA)
  Phone: 800-923-3608
  Web site: http://www.tna-support.org.