Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also known as tic douloureux, is a type of chronic nerve disorder that involves sudden attacks of severe facial pain. About 150,000 people receive a trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis in the United States every year. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is more common in women than men, and most cases develop after the age of 50. Read on to learn more about this condition, its symptoms and your treatment options.
Causes of trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by a disruption to your trigeminal nerve function. Everyone has two trigeminal nerves which are located on either side of the face. They play an important role in providing feeling in the face and facilitating chewing. If these nerves experience pressure or damage, trigeminal neuralgia can occur. There are three main types of TN.
Primary (classic) trigeminal neuralgia: This is the most common type of trigeminal neuralgia and happens when a blood vessel pushes on the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Certain risk factors include having high blood pressure, smoking, family history, aging and being female.
Secondary trigeminal neuralgia: This happens when another condition damages or affects your trigeminal nerve. Those conditions may include the following:
- Multiple sclerosis or a similar nerve-related condition
- Stroke or facial trauma
- Tumor pressing against the nerve
- Injury of the nerve during surgery
Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia: This diagnosis is used when the cause of facial pain is unknown.
Common symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia
The most common symptom of TN is facial pain. This type of pain is typically short – ranging from a few seconds to two minutes – and can occur several times per day. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden, intense pain typically described as shocking or stabbing and is usually on one side of the face
- Facial muscle spasms
- Burning, throbbing, numbness, tingling or a dull aching sensation in between attacks.
How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed?
Trigeminal neuralgia can typically be diagnosed solely through a neurological examination in a doctor’s office. Questions you may be asked include:
- Is the pain sharp, stabbing or electric-like?
- How long do the episodes last?
- How often do the attacks occur?
- Which areas of the face are affected?
- What activities or sensations seem to bring on the pain?
A neurologist will also perform a physical examination of the head and neck to rule out other potential causes of pain. An MRI may be needed to determine the root cause of TN if other conditions are suspected.
Treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia
Once a trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis is confirmed, there are a variety of interventions and medications that can be prescribed to provide face pain relief.
Treatment options may include:
- Nerve medications, including anti-seizure medications
- Muscle relaxant medications
- Surgery, depending on the cause of TN and if medications do not provide relief
Schedule an appointment
If you’re experiencing sudden, unexplained facial pain—especially sharp, electric-like bursts—it’s time to talk with a specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and improve your quality of life.
Neurologists with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group offer care for a full range of neurological conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia. Call 770-219-6520 or visit NGPG Neurology for more information.