All About Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic ache condition. It affects the trifacial neuron. It handles transmitting sensations from the face to the brain. The ache can occur due to various activities, such as brushing teeth, talking, or eating.

The condition is more common in women than men and usually occurs after age 50. The exact cause of nerve pain in the face is not known. But it’s believed to be related to the compression or irritation of the trifacial neuron. Blood vessels or tumors irritate it.

The pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia can be debilitating. And it impacts a person’s life. Therapy options range from medications to surgery. And the effectiveness of each option varies depending on the individual case.

This article will focus on the: 

• Trigeminal neuralgia causes.
• Signs.
• Diagnosis.
• Therapy options. 

We will also provide practical advice on managing and coping with the ache.

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a neurological disorder. It affects the trifacial neuron. The trifacial neuron handles transmitting sensations from the face to the brain. It is the largest of the cranial neurons. And it has three branches that control sensations in different areas of the face.

Trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe, and stabbing pain in the face. The ache can occur due to even mild stimuli, such as touching the face, eating, or speaking. The attacks of ache can be brief, lasting only a few seconds, or they can be longer, lasting up to several minutes. The ache is often described as a sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like sensation.

The exact cause of a condition is not fully understood. But it’s thought to be in connection with compression or irritation of the trifacial neuron by blood vessels or tumors. In some cases, the condition may occur due to a genetic mutation.

The illness is more common in women than men and is most often seen in individuals over 50. But It can also be associated with other conditions. 

Based on our own experience, the diagnosis is based on the patient’s history and a physical examination. Extra neurologiacal tests, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may help. It’s to rule out other conditions that may be causing the ache.

Therapy options for illness can vary. They depend on the severity of the trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. Anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants may help manage the ache. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. It’s to relieve the compression or irritation of the trifacial neuron.

What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?

The exact cause of the condition is not fully understood now. But thanks to our knowledge gained in practice, we found out that it’s related to the compression or irritation of the trifacial neuron.

In most cases, the condition occurs due to a blood vessel. It puts pressure on the trifacial neuron, causing it to malfunction. The malfunction results in the sudden and severe pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. The blood vessel may be a vein or artery pressing on the neuron or an abnormal blood vessel in the brain.

The illness can also occur due to a tumor pressing the trifacial neuron. In rare cases, the condition may occur due to multiple sclerosis. It affects the central nervous system. And it can damage the myelin sheath that surrounds neuron fibers.

In some cases, the cause of the condition may be idiopathic, meaning it is unknown. But some cases may occur due to a genetic mutation.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing the condition include age. The condition is more common in individuals over the age of 50. And as for the gender, it is more common in women than men. Previous facial trauma or dental surgery may also increase the risk.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms

The ache can occur due to even mild stimuli, such as touching the face, eating, or speaking. The attacks of ache can be brief, lasting only a few seconds, or longer, lasting up to several minutes. The trigeminal neuralgia pain is a sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like sensation.

Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. They are dental problems, sinus infections, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It is vital to seek medical attention if you are experiencing signs. Prompt diagnosis and therapy can help manage the ache and improve quality of life.

Now let’s look at the most common signs individuals with TN may experience.

Facial Twitching or Spasms

Facial twitching or spasms refer to involuntary movements in the muscles of the face. They can affect the jaw or cheek. These movements can be quick or prolonged and may be visible to others. According to our experience, they can occur due to various reasons. Those are neurological disorders, stress, or fatigue.

Sensitivity to Touch

Sensitivity to touch in the affected area of the face can be a result of various conditions. They include neuron damage, infections, or trauma. The affected area may become very sensitive to touch, causing discomfort or ache. Even a light touch or breeze can cause trigeminal neuralgia pain. It makes it difficult to carry out daily activities such as grooming or wearing clothes.

Changes in Facial Sensation

Changes in facial sensation can include a numb or tingling sensation. This can occur due to neuron damage or compression and infections. Or other underlying medical conditions can play a role. The affected area may also feel cold. Or they can have a burning sensation. It can further affect a person’s daily life.

Difficulty Eating or Drinking

Nerve pain in the face and sensitivity in the affected area can make it difficult to eat or drink. This can lead to weight loss or malnutrition. It can further exacerbate the condition. Difficulties in chewing, swallowing, or opening the mouth can be a result of various conditions. Those are temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or neuron damage.

Depression or Anxiety

Chronic ache can lead to depression or anxiety. It can further impact a person’s quality of life. The constant discomfort, ache, and difficulties in carrying out daily activities can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Medical help and support manage the physical and mental aspects of this condition.

Classification 

The condition can be classified into two types. They’re based on the pattern of trigeminal neuralgia symptoms:

• Classic (Type 1). It’s sudden, severe, and stabbing ache in the face, usually on one side. The trigeminal neuralgia pain occurs due to mild stimuli. They are touching the face, eating, or speaking. The attacks of ache can be brief, lasting only a few seconds, or longer, lasting up to several minutes. The ache is often described as a sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like sensation. Between attacks, individuals with classic one may have no signs.
• Atypical (Type 2). It’s a constant, dull ache or burning sensation in the face, usually on one side. The ache is less severe than the classic one. But it is often more persistent. Individuals with an atypical type may also experience sudden, sharp ache. But it is less common than in the classic type.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment & Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. It includes a neurological examination. Tests like MRI may rule out other trigeminal neuralgia causes. Those can be a tumor or multiple sclerosis.

Therapy aims to relieve ache and prevent future attacks. Anticonvulsants can be effective in reducing ache. It’s done by decreasing the excitability of the trifacial neuron. Other medications may include baclofen, lamotrigine, and phenytoin.

Our data show that, in some cases, medication is not effective. Then, other illness therapy options may help: 

• One option is microvascular decompression surgery. It involves moving or cushioning blood vessels. Those may be compressing the trifacial neuron. 
• Another option is Gamma Knife radiosurgery. It uses focused radiation to damage the trifacial neuron and reduce ache signals.

Radiofrequency ablation or balloon compression may also damage the trifacial neuron. And it reduces ache. But these procedures may carry a higher risk of facial numbness or other side effects.

Note that not all trigeminal neuralgia treatments may be appropriate for every individual. The choice of therapy will depend on factors such as:

• The severity of ache.
• The age and health status of the individual.
• The underlying cause of the condition.

According to our experience, besides medical trigeminal neuralgia treatment, lifestyle modifications can also be helpful. Avoiding triggers such as cold or hot foods, applying heat or cold to the affected area, and practicing stress-reducing techniques such as yoga or meditation may all help to reduce ache and prevent future attacks.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of nerve pain in the face typically involves: 

• A thorough medical history.
• Physical examination.

The healthcare provider will ask the individual about their signs. It includes the location, duration, and frequency of ache. They will also ask about any factors triggering or worsening the ache. Those are eating, speaking, or touching the face.

A neurological examination will also be conducted. It’s to assess the function of the trifacial neuron. The healthcare provider will examine the face for any signs of:

• Muscle weakness.
• Sensory loss.
• Reflex abnormalities.

They may also use a cotton swab or other stimulus. It’s to test the individual’s ability to feel touch and ache in different areas of the face.

Imaging tests like MRI may also rule out other possible trigeminal neuralgia causes. MRI can provide detailed images of the brain and neurons. It can help to identify any structural abnormalities or lesions. They may be contributing to the individual’s signs.

A diagnosis of the condition is typically based on the individual’s signs and physical examination findings rather than imaging tests alone. In some cases, imaging tests may not reveal any abnormalities. But the individual may still be diagnosed with nerve pain in the face. The diagnosis is usually based on their signs and response to cure.

Healthcare providers may also classify the condition based on its underlying cause. The condition can occur due to a blood vessel compression of the trifacial neuron. Then doctors classified it as type 1. But the condition can occur due to a structural abnormality such as a tumor or cyst. Then it’s classified as type 2.

Conclusion

Nerve pain in the face is a debilitating condition. It causes intense facial ache. It’s often triggered by common activities such as eating, speaking, or brushing teeth. The exact cause of nerve pain in the face is not fully understood. But it’s believed to involve compression or irritation of the trifacial neuron.

Signs of trigeminal neuralgia can be severe and impact a person’s quality of life. But with an accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy, many individuals with illness can experience significant relief from their signs.

FAQ

• What does trigeminal neuralgia pain feel like?

Trigeminal neuralgia pain is typically described as sharp, electric shock-like, or stabbing pain. It’s focused on one side of the face. The pain can occur due to common activities such as eating, speaking, or brushing teeth. And it can be intense and debilitating.

• What triggers trigeminal nerve pain?

Trigeminal nerve pain can occur due to a variety of factors. They’re: 

1. Touching face.
2. Brushing teeth.
3. Exposure to cold or hot temperatures. 

In some cases, even light pressure or a gentle breeze on the face can trigger an attack of pain.

• How do you stop trigeminal neuralgia pain fast?

There are several strategies to stop trigeminal neuralgia pain quickly: 

1. Applying heat or cold to the affected area.
2. Taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. 
3. Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. 

• What are the risk factors for developing trigeminal neuralgia?

Risk factors for trigeminal neuralgia include aging. The condition is more common in older adults. Also, certain medical conditions like multiple sclerosis or a tumor in the brain or skull can play a role. Women may also be at slightly higher risk for developing the condition.

• Can I cure trigeminal neuralgia?

There is no cure for trigeminal neuralgia. But with appropriate treatment and management, many individuals can experience significant relief. Treatment may involve medication, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, surgery or radiation.

• Is trigeminal neuralgia a life-threatening condition?

Trigeminal neuralgia is not typically a life-threatening condition. But the intense pain can be debilitating and impact a person’s quality of life. It is vital to work closely with a healthcare provider. It’s to develop an individualized treatment plan. It can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.