Trigeminal Neuralgia: What's Causing My Pain?
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also called tic douloureux, is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal (fifth cranial) nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. TN is considered to be one of the most painful afflictions known to medical practice.
Jolts of pain may be triggered by vibration or mild stimulation of your face such as from brushing your teeth, applying makeup, eating, drinking, talking or being exposed to the wind. Pain episodes can last from a few seconds to as long as two minutes. These attacks can occur in quick succession or in volleys lasting as long as two hours.
TN pain is typically felt on one side of the jaw or cheek. Episodes can last for days, weeks or months at a time and then disappear for months or years. In the days before an episode begins, some patients may experience a tingling or numbing sensation or a somewhat constant and aching pain. The attacks often worsen over time, with fewer and shorter pain-free periods before they recur. Eventually, the pain-free intervals may disappear and medication to control the pain becomes less effective.
TN occurs most often in people over age 50, but it can occur at any age, including infancy. The incidence of newly diagnosed cases of TN in the United States is approximately 4.3 per 100,000 individuals (per year), making TN a rare disease.
Common Symptoms Of Trigeminal Neuralgia:
- You have brief periods of stabbing or shooting pain that are sudden and intense.
- The pain is triggered by things such as brushing your teeth, washing your face, shaving or putting on makeup. Even a light breeze against your face might set off your pain.
- It lasts a few seconds to several minutes.
- The attacks happen several times a day or a week, followed by periods during which you have none at all. These pain-free periods are known as remission.
- The pain usually affects only one side of the face.
- The attacks happen more often over time, and the pain can worsen.
- You feel the pain mostly in your cheek, jaw, teeth, gums and lips. The eyes and forehead are affected less often.
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