Neuralgia, also known as nerve pain, is a painful condition that occurs when a nerve is irritated or damaged. One of the most common types of neuralgia is trigeminal neuralgia. The psychological effects of neuralgia are also important. Constant exposure to pain can trigger or worsen conditions such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe and sudden attacks of pain in the nerves of the face called the trigeminal nerve. These attacks of pain usually occur in the form of electric shock-like sensations and can be quite disturbing for the patient. Trigeminal neuralgia, which can be triggered by a problem or compression in the nerves, can significantly affect daily life and may require treatment.
What are the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?
Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia can vary from person to person, and diagnosis usually requires a doctor’s examination and sometimes advanced imaging techniques. Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia:
- Attacks of severe pain occur in one or more areas of the face, usually the cheeks, chin, lips or around the eyes.
- Pain attacks can often be described as sudden and sharp sensations, like an electric shock.
- Pain is often aggravated during daily activities or by certain triggers (e.g., touching the face, laughing, talking, eating).
- Some patients may feel burning, numbness or sensitivity in their face in addition to pain attacks.
- Attacks of pain are usually intermittent, and symptoms may not be evident for a period of time between attacks.
- Pain is usually felt on one side of the trigeminal nerve (right or left). However, in rare cases, it can occur on both sides.
- Pain is usually focused in the areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve. These areas usually include one or more areas of the face.
How is trigeminal neuralgia treated?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes severe pain on one side of the face. It is caused by nerve damage. Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia depends on the severity of the pain and the underlying cause. Common treatments for trigeminal neuralgia include:
- Medicines prescribed by your doctor.
- Nerve block therapy.
Surgical procedure.
If medications and nerve block treatments don’t work, surgery may be an option. There are several surgical procedures used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. In one procedure, the blood vessels or bones that are causing the trigeminal nerve compression are surgically removed. In another procedure, the trigeminal nerve is cut before it enters the brain.