Trigeminal Neuralgia
If you have trigeminal neuralgia, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), often referred to as the “suicide disease” due to the severe pain it causes, is a neurological condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensation in the face. Characterized by sudden, severe, stabbing, or electric-shock-like pain, TN typically affects one side of the face and can significantly disrupt daily activities. This condition is most common in individuals over 50 but can affect people of all ages.
What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?
The primary cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia is the compression of the trigeminal nerve, often by a blood vessel or tumor, which leads to irritation. This compression causes improper signaling, resulting in the sharp, intense pain TN is known for. In some cases, the condition may be linked to multiple sclerosis (MS), where the nerve’s protective covering, known as the myelin sheath, is damaged.
Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The hallmark symptom of TN is excruciating, intermittent facial pain, which may last for seconds to minutes. These episodes can occur in quick succession, triggered by simple actions like chewing, speaking, brushing your teeth, or even a light breeze on your face. Pain is usually localized around the cheek, jaw, eye, or forehead, following the distribution of the trigeminal nerve.
In some cases, the pain may be accompanied by facial spasms or twitching. The intensity and unpredictability of the pain make it a disabling condition for those who suffer from it.
Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia
A thorough evaluation is essential for diagnosing TN. During the diagnostic process, your healthcare provider will perform a physical and neurological examination to assess the location, frequency, and nature of the pain. In some cases, imaging tests like MRI scans may be conducted to rule out other potential causes of the pain, such as tumors or other neurological conditions.
Treatment Options
While Trigeminal Neuralgia can be a challenging condition, there are several treatment options available. The goal is to reduce the frequency and intensity of pain, enabling individuals to lead a normal life.
- Medications: Anticonvulsant drugs, such as carbamazepine, are often prescribed to control the nerve’s abnormal firing. Other medications like muscle relaxants or pain relievers may be used to manage symptoms.
- Surgical Interventions: For those who do not respond to medications, surgical options may be considered. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a procedure where the blood vessel compressing the trigeminal nerve is moved away. Other procedures, like Gamma Knife radiosurgery, aim to reduce pain by targeting the nerve.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding known triggers, such as wind or specific facial movements, can help reduce flare-ups.
If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.
