Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by sudden, short, severe, and electric shock-like pain along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve) on one side of the face.

Characteristics

• The pain typically lasts from seconds to several minutes.

• It is usually felt on one side of the face, especially in the cheek, jaw, lips, and around the eyes.

• Pain attacks occur repeatedly throughout the day.

Causes

• The most common cause is compression of the trigeminal nerve by an artery or vein (vascular compression).

• Multiple sclerosis, tumors, or trauma can also rarely cause trigeminal neuralgia.

• There may be idiopathic (unknown cause) cases.

Triggering Factors

• Washing the face

• Brushing teeth

• Talking

• Eating and drinking

• Light touch

Diagnosis

• The diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation.

• Imaging methods such as MRI are used to rule out underlying causes, such as multiple sclerosis or tumors.

Treatment

• Medication: Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine is most commonly used).

• Surgical treatment (for resistant cases):

  • Microvascular decompression (removal of the blood vessel compressing the nerve).

  • Radiofrequency ablation, gamma knife radiosurgery, and other techniques.

Outcome

With appropriate treatment, pain can be controlled. Surgical treatments in drug-resistant cases can yield highly successful results.