A chronic pain condition characterized by sudden, severe, and stabbing facial pain. It typically affects one side of the face. It is caused by irritation or compression of the trigeminal nerve, which helps to transmits sensory information from the face to the brain.

Symptoms

• Intense, shooting pain in the face, typically on one side.
• Pain episodes lasting from seconds to minutes, occurring in recurrent bursts.
• Triggered by activities such as chewing, speaking, and touching the face.
• Pain may be localized to specific areas of the face, such as the jaw, cheek, or forehead.

Causes

• The trigeminal nerve can be compressed or irritated by blood vessels or tumors.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) can damage the protective coating of nerves, leading to abnormal nerve function.

Risk Factors

• Advanced age, with onset typically occurring after age 50.
• Gender, as women are more commonly affected than men.
• Having a family history of trigeminal neuralgia.
• Underlying conditions such as multiple sclerosis or certain vascular diseases.

Diagnosis

• Medical history and thorough physical examination to assess symptoms and potential triggers.
• Neurological examination to evaluate facial sensation and reflexes.
• Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan to identify any structural abnormalities.

Treatment Options

• Medication to reduce nerve firing and alleviate pain.

Surgical Interventions:

• Microvascular decompression surgery to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve caused by blood vessels.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery, such as gamma knife surgery, targets and disrupts pain signals without invasive surgery.
• Balloon compression or radiofrequency ablation selectively damages the nerve fibres transmitting pain signals.

Alternative Therapies:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) disrupts pain signals.
• Acupuncture or biofeedback therapy to manage pain perception and stress levels.

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Avoiding triggers such as cold air, wind, or specific facial movements.
• Engage stress-reduction practice like yoga or meditation to ease pain triggers.

Complications

It has various challenges, such as anxiety and depression, medication side effects like dizziness and drowsiness, and surgical risks such as nerve damage or infection.

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) causes intense facial pain, but with a combined approach of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes surgery, individuals can find relief and improve their quality of life. Early intervention is crucial, and ongoing research is essential for better treatments.