Trigeminal Neuralgia

Description

A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It causes extreme, sporadic, sudden burning or shock-like face pain that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to as long as two minutes per episode.

Common Symptoms

• Episodes of severe, shooting, or jabbing pain that may feel like an electric shock
• Spontaneous attacks of pain or attacks triggered by things such as touching the face, chewing, or talking
• Pain concentrated in one spot or spread in a wider pattern
• Attacks that become more frequent and intense over time

Common Causes

• Usually caused by a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brainstem. It can also be caused by multiple sclerosis or a tumor.

Treatment Information