trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), also known as tic douloureux, is an acute, piercing, electric shock-like pain in the those regions of the face served by the Trigeminal (5th) Cranial Nerve (CN V). CN V serves three areas of the face the forehead and eye, the cheek and the jaw. TN can affect some or all of these areas usually on one side of the face although more rarely (in about 5% of cases) it is bilateral. Episodes of TN can last anything from a few seconds to a few minutes or very occasionally longer and can be triggered by a number of factors including laughing, chewing, brushing the teeth, talking, wind on the face or even touching the face.

Trigeminal Neuralgia is not an uncommon symptom of multiple sclerosis although there are a number of other causes. In MS, TN is often accompanied by feelings of numbness or paraesthesia. In multiple sclerosis, the most likely cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia is lesion damage to the Pons region of the Brainstem where the 5th cranial nerve arises.

Trigeminal Neuralgia is one of the more painful conditions to have to live with and can eat into the fibre of your soul. It is often chronic and, not surprisingly, often associated with depression. Some suggestions by people coping with TN include:

• Keeping a diary to try and identify common trigger factors.

• Exercising regularly to promote the release of pain-killing endorphins.

• Staying busy so as not to concentrate on the pain, waiting for the next attack.

• Seeking support especially from other people living with TN.

• Trying to maintain a sense of humour to preserve your mental health.

Some people with TN report beneficial effects from alterative therapies including acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, self-hypnosis and meditation.

Drug treatments of Trigeminal Neuralgia include Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Baclofen (Lioresal), Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), Clonazepam (Klonopin), lamotrig-ine (Lamictal) and Neurontin.

Microsurgical methods to relieve pressure on the nerve or to reduce nerve sensitivity have been quite successful.

Trigeminal Neuralgia links:

Facial Neuralgia Resources: Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia: University of Pittsburgh

Trigeminal Neuralgia Association Homepage

Trigeminal Neuralgia - You're Not Alone!