Trigeminal neuralgia is a medical condition characterized by pain via the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is a nerve that runs along the face. It starts near the top of your ear (on both side of the face) and splits into three main branches. Each of these branches supply nerve information to the eye, cheek and jaw.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Neuralgia, by definition, is pain cause by nerves or nerve irritation.
Trigeminal neuralgia is often described as a:
In some instances, the pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia can be so severe and debilitating that a person is unable to eat food or even drink. Shooting pain can radiate along the face symptoms can range anything between a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
Trigeminal neuralgia arises when the trigeminal nerve's function is disrupted. The most common cause of this disruption is when an artery or vein at the base of a person’s brain (where the trigeminal nerve originates) applies pressure to the trigeminal nerve. This constant pressure results in the trigeminal nerve misfiring and malfunction. The malfunction of the trigeminal nerve can develop into trigeminal neuralgia.
Other potential causes of trigeminal neuralgia include secondary condition of multiple sclerosis, injury/disorder that damages the myelin sheath protecting the trigeminal nerve. In severe circumstances trigeminal neuralgia can also be caused by a tumor compressing it.
When dealing with trigeminal neuralgia there can be specific triggers that cause a flare up of symptoms. The triggers include but are not limited to: shaving, touching your face, eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, talking, smiling, or washing your face.
Trigeminal NeuralgiaThe pain from trigeminal neuralgia may last a few seconds or minutes, then ease and then recur. The pain from trigeminal neuralgia tends to cycle. Pain can occur for a few days or weeks, and then stop for days, weeks or even years before returning. If left untreated the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia can worsen over time and the cycles tend to recur more quickly, with shorter breaks in between.
Research has shown that there are a variety of ant-epileptic drugs that are proven to be helpful for reducing pain related to trigeminal neuralgia. Even muscle relaxers and antidepressants can be helpful in some cases. Discussion with your medical doctor is important to determine which drug treatment would be best for you.
Surgery is required in about 25% of trigeminal neuralgia. This is more commonplace in stances where there is some sort of structural disjunction pushing on the trigeminal nerve – like a blood vessel or tumor (mentioned above).
Physical therapy has been helpful in reducing pain related to trigeminal neuralgia and treating symptoms. Electrical stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound can help with de-sensitizing the face area that is being affected by the trigeminal nerve.
Other physical therapy treatments such as exercise focused on the neck and upper shoulders, dry needling, relaxation techniques and improving cardiovascular health can all be helpful. Your local physical therapist is qualified to implement any of these treatments for trigeminal neuralgia.
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If you are dealing with Trigeminal Neuralgia pain or any other injury, the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute can help. To schedule an appointment with a JOI Doctor, call (904)JOI-2000, schedule online of click the link below. To see a JOI Rehab Therapist in 1 of our 12 locations, call (904)858-7045.
