Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia (pronounced: try-JEM-uh-nul noo-RAL-juh) is a chronic pain condition that affects the Trigeminal Nerve, one of the most widely distributed nerves in the head. The term "Trigeminal" originates from the Latin "trigeminus" meaning "threefold," referring to the three branches of the nerve, and "Neuralgia" from the Greek "neuron" for nerve and "algos" for pain.
Definition
Trigeminal Neuralgia, also known as Tic Douloureux, is a disorder characterized by sudden, severe, electric shock-like or stabbing pain typically felt on one side of the jaw or cheek. The attacks of pain may occur in quick succession, be triggered by everyday activities such as eating, speaking, or exposure to wind, and may persist for days, weeks, or months before diminishing.
Causes
The exact cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia is not fully understood. However, it is often associated with the compression of the Trigeminal Nerve by an artery or vein, or due to the damage of the protective coating around the nerve (myelin sheath). Other causes may include multiple sclerosis or, in rare cases, a tumor.
Symptoms
The main symptom of Trigeminal Neuralgia is sudden attacks of severe facial pain. The pain is often described as a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth, or gums. Other symptoms may include a constant aching or burning sensation, attacks triggered by common daily activities, or pain in areas supplied by the Trigeminal Nerve including the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, or less often the eye and forehead.
Treatment
Treatment options for Trigeminal Neuralgia include medications, such as anticonvulsant drugs, and surgical procedures, such as Microvascular Decompression (MVD) or Gamma Knife surgery. In some cases, self-care measures, such as avoiding trigger activities and applying heat to the affected area, may help manage the pain.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Wikipedia's article - Trigeminal Neuralgia
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