Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It causes sudden, severe, electric shock–like facial pain, usually on one side of the face.
Common symptoms
Brief attacks of intense stabbing or shock-like pain
Pain triggered by everyday activities such as:
chewing
talking
brushing teeth
shaving
touching the face
Episodes lasting seconds to minutes
Pain often affects the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, or lips
Periods of remission may occur between attacks
Causes
Trigeminal neuralgia is often caused by:
A blood vessel compressing the trigeminal nerve
Aging-related nerve changes
Multiple sclerosis
Tumors or other structural lesions (less common)
Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose it based on:
Symptom pattern and neurological exam
MRI imaging to rule out other causes
Treatment options
Common treatments include:
Medications
Antiseizure drugs such as Carbamazepine or Oxcarbazepine
Muscle relaxants
Sometimes antidepressants for chronic nerve pain
Procedures or surgery
If medications stop working or cause side effects:
Microvascular decompression
Radiofrequency rhizotomy
Gamma Knife radiosurgery
When to seek urgent medical care
Get prompt medical evaluation if facial pain:
Is new or worsening
Causes numbness or weakness
Occurs with vision changes, difficulty speaking, or stroke-like symptoms
