Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes a stabbing or electric-shock-like pain in different parts of the face.
What Causes it?
The pain comes from something blocking or obstructing the trigeminal nerve.
It can affect part or all of the face, and the surface of the eye.
Trigeminal neuralgia may be caused by:
Who is more prone to get it?
The condition usually affects adults above the age of 40yrs. But younger cases have also been reported. In many cases its part of the normal aging process.
What are the symptoms?
1. Very painful, sharp electric-like spasms that usually last a few seconds or minutes, but can become constant
2.Pain is usually only on one side of the face, often around the eye, cheek, and lower part of the face
3.Pain may be triggered by touch or sounds
4.Painful attacks can be triggered by common, everyday activities, such as: Brushing teeth,Chewing, Drinking, Eating, Lightly touching the face, Shaving, etc.
Trigeminal neuralgia may be caused by:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pressure on the trigeminal nerve from a swollen blood vessel or tumor
Who is more prone to get it?
The condition usually affects adults above the age of 40yrs. But younger cases have also been reported. In many cases its part of the normal aging process.
What are the symptoms?
1. Very painful, sharp electric-like spasms that usually last a few seconds or minutes, but can become constant
2.Pain is usually only on one side of the face, often around the eye, cheek, and lower part of the face
3.Pain may be triggered by touch or sounds
4.Painful attacks can be triggered by common, everyday activities, such as: Brushing teeth,Chewing, Drinking, Eating, Lightly touching the face, Shaving, etc.
How to Detect it?
The only way of detection is through a complete and professional neurological examination.
Tests that are helpful to find the condition: - Blood tests
- MRI of the head
- Trigeminal reflex testing
What is the treatment?
A. Primarily treatment includes to control pain. Over-the-counter pain killers are useless in most cases. And medicines specific to find neurological pain are utilized in doses determined by a proper medical professional.
These medicines include:
1. Muscle relaxants
2. Certain categories of Antidepressants ( yes, antidepressants are classical examples of judging a book by its cover. They are very powerful molecules that are not always addictive and sedative, but have very powerful pain-kiiling property along with the added benefit of helping fight sudden huge amounts of stress and the feeling of "what is happening to me?" "why is it happening to me?")
3. Anticonvulsants - another set of medicines that are judged by their name not their action. These are extremely beneficial in decreasing the pain, providing protection against nerve damage and preventing muscular damage due to sudden spasm.
B. Severe Cases that don't improve with a few weeks of medications require immediate surgery. Surgical focus is to find the areas of blockage that might be affecting the nerve.
Dr.Hemant MittaL
Motivational Speaker - Mind-Body Healer
(MBBS, PG.DPM, M.D.(Mind Mantra Wellness Concepts - Mumbai))
(Specialize in Emotional, Behavioural, Sleep, Memory, Concentration and Sexual Health)
Contact at -
Email - eksoch@gmail.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/Hemant_MittaL
This disorder can cause a lot of severe pain. Luckily we have some pain control treatments these days, because of the growth of the awareness for trigeminal neuralgia
ReplyDeletemy dad is suffering from atypical trigeminal neuralgia from past 12 years, undergone 3 MVD's (micro vascular decompression) yet he dint find any relief he is 52 now..i am looking for a good doctor.. can anybody refer me some..
ReplyDeletemy dad is 52 years old, is suffering from atypical trigeminal neuralgia from past 12 years.. undergone 3 micro vascular decompression surgery's resulting in short term pain relief, now he is under medication with only 45% pain relief.....If anybody can suggest me the best doctor available in India.. i would be very thankful.
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