Trigeminal neuralgiais an uncommon facial pain syndrome affecting a nerve in the head called thetrigeminal nerve.
Trigeminal neuralgia is also calledtic douloureux.
Trigeminal neuralgia pain cycles can last months.
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It can also lead to anxiety over when the pain will return.
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What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Symptoms
The main symptom of trigeminalneuralgiais severe facial pain that comes on abruptly.
The bursts come on more frequently until the pain is almost constant.
Typically, only one side of the face is effected.
The pain is often mistaken for toothache.
Some people undergo painful and unnecessary dental procedures before getting an accurate diagnosis.
This can lead to anxiety and worry over when the next flare-up will strike.
These include:
What foods trigger trigeminal neuralgia attacks?
Causes
Trigeminal neuralgia is triggered by compression of the trigeminal nerve root.
Compression can occur from:
The initial flare-up of trigeminal neuralgia often has no obvious cause.
Risk Factors
Trigeminal neuralgia is more common in some demographics than others.
However, about 2% of cases are found in people with a close relative with the condition.
This is known as familial trigeminal neuralgia.
Diagnosis
Trigeminal neuralgia is typically diagnosed by aneurologist.
Brain imaging, likemagnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is often used to rule out other causes.
Side effects include:
Some people are unable to take carbamazepine due to more serious adverse effects.
These can include:
People of Asian descent, in particular, are at increased risk for Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Your healthcare provider may test you for a genetic marker before prescribing carbamazepine.
If you are unable to take carbamazepine, your healthcare provider may prescribe other medications.
They may, however, help relieve anxiety and depression associated with trigeminal neuralgia flare-ups.
Coping
Living with trigeminal neuralgia can be unpredictable.
Summary
Trigeminal neuralgia is an extremely painful condition that causes waves of sharp facial pain.
It is usually because of compression on the trigeminal nerve, which runs alongside the face.
Pain cycles get increasingly more intense and can last days to weeks.
Patients can go long durations without pain only to have the condition flare again.
Seizure medications or muscle relaxers may be recommended.
In some cases, surgery is needed to end the pain.
Mind-body therapies and support can help you cope with worry about your next flare.
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