Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes severe facial pain due to irritation, injury, or dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensations such as pain, pressure, and temperature from the face to the brain.
In trigeminal neuralgia, the protective sheath (myelin) that insulates the nerve may become damaged or compressed, often by a blood vessel, tumour, lesion, or other abnormality. This disruption affects normal nerve function and can result in episodes of intense facial pain. Ageing and certain neurological disorders may also contribute to the development of the condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp, shooting facial pain, usually affecting one side of the jaw or face
- Episodes of pain lasting from a few seconds to several minutes
- Pain triggered by activities such as touching the face, chewing, speaking, brushing the teeth, or exposure to cold temperatures
- Increasing frequency or severity of pain over time
- Muscle spasms
- Aching or burning sensations between painful episodes
Diagnoses and Treatment Options
To diagnose trigeminal neuralgia, we will review your medical history, assess your signs and symptoms, and perform a physical and neurological examination. Diagnostic imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, may be recommended to identify or rule out underlying causes, such as a tumour, blood vessel compression, or other structural abnormalities.
Treatment options may include anticonvulsant medications, antispasmodic medications, botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections, or surgery. The most appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition.
