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Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that causes severe, sudden pain in the face, usually on one side of the jaw or cheek. While the pain usually does not last more than a minute or two, the severity of the sensation can be incapacitating. Trigeminal neuralgia episodes can last for days or months and then disappear for years. In many patients, the attacks get worse over time. While trigeminal neuralgia can be debilitating, it is not life-threatening. Doctors believe that the disorder is caused by pressure on the trigeminal nerve in the brain. Some people develop this disorder as they age, while others have diseases associated with trigeminal neuralgia, such as multiple sclerosis. Trigeminal neuralgia affects more women than men.

Trigeminal neuralgia pain can be triggered by contact to the face, such as putting on makeup, shaving, or washing the face. It can also be brought on by eating, talking, or exposure to the wind. Trigeminal neuralgia can be treated by anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants and surgery. In some cases, these approaches are combined with acupuncture, vitamin therapy and nutritional therapy.