What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder of the nerve responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain.

It is characterized by sudden, severe, stabbing pains, described as electric shock-like in nature, typically around the lower face and jaw.

These may last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes and may occur in quick succession or remain latent for days or weeks.

Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia

The basic cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia is irritation or damage of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel, usually near its origin from the brainstem.

Irritation and misfiring of nerve signals result in periods of sudden, severe pain. Other causes of TN include multiple sclerosis, tumours, and facial trauma. There are also age factors since the condition more often affects people over the age of 50.

Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

The hallmark symptom of TN is facial pain that is:

• Sudden, sharp, and intense.
• It is triggered by very minimal stimulation, such as eating, talking, or even touching the face.
• It usually is unilateral, meaning that it affects only one side of the face. The pain may worsen with time, and the episodes can become more frequent and incapacitating.

Treatment Options for Neuralgia

Treatment for TN aims to manage pain and improve quality of life. Common options include:

• Medications: Anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine, are usually prescribed to reduce nerve activity.
• Surgical Procedures: Microvascular decompression or Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be considered in severe cases.
• Lifestyle changes: These include the management of stress and avoidance of triggers in order to reduce the frequency of episodes.

Conclusion

Trigeminal neuralgia is one painful and challenging condition which, with the advent of medical treatment, promises all hopes for effective management. If diagnosed early and intervention conducted appropriately, it has a limited impact on daily life.

Dr. Naresh Kumar Damesha
Consulting Neurosurgeon