Trigeminal neuralgia is a health problem that causes severe pain, especially in the face. It is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensations and sensations from the face to the brain. In people with this condition, even mild stimulation of the face, such as brushing teeth or applying makeup, can cause unbearable pain. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment is carried out by methods determined by specialist doctors.
The disease is usually characterized by short and mild attacks. However, as it is a progressive disease, more frequent, prolonged and severe pain attacks may occur in the later stages. In the later stages, it can significantly reduce the patient's quality of life. It is more common in women than in men. People aged 50 and over are at higher risk of developing the disease. These patients do not have to suffer from long-term pain. With the different and modern medical treatment methods available today, the treatment of this disease can be managed effectively. It can often be treated by specialists with methods such as medication, injection or surgical operation.
What are the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms are usually sudden onset and severe. Signs and symptoms may vary from person to person. Pain types and models can be listed as follows:
- Pain may develop at a single point on the face or spread to different areas
- Pain, which usually affects one part of the face, may rarely affect both sides
- Pain attacks can be short-term or long-term
- You may feel an electric shock, you may experience attacks with a severe and burning sensation
- There may be periods when the patient does not feel any pain, or there may be prolonged periods of attacks that can last for months.
- Recurrent pain or burning sensation that may develop before spasm-like pain
- Pain in the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips or, rarely, in the eyes and forehead
- Pain or attacks that can be triggered after interactions such as facial contact, chewing, brushing teeth or talking
- The severity and frequency of attacks may increase in the following periods
It is important for people with facial pain problems, especially in prolonged or recurrent pain, to consult a specialist immediately.
What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by a functional disorder in the trigeminal nerve that transmits sensations and sensations to the brain. In the majority of cases, the problem is that a normal blood vessel contacts and presses on the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain.
Aging is among the risk factors and causes of this disease, which is more likely to be seen in older ages. It is also more likely to occur in women than in men.
It may be linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) or a similar disorder that causes damage to the myelin sheath protecting some nerves. Some tumors can also cause this condition. These tumors can be benign or malignant and can press on the trigeminal nerve.
In some cases, other conditions such as brain lesions, surgical injuries, stroke or facial trauma may also be a contributing factor.
The disease can cause pain complaints in people due to factors such as wind blowing, brushing teeth, smiling, applying make-up, shaving, talking, washing the face or touching the face, and these pains can be extremely intense.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Diagnosis
The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is based on the patient's medical history and detailed description of the symptoms to the specialist. In this case, the type of pain, its location and triggering factors are important. In many cases, the pain is sudden and short-lived. The parts of the person's face affected by the pain can be examined by the specialist to determine whether there is a connection with the disease.
Pain caused by the disease often occurs during eating, talking or when the wind blows. The doctor may order a number of different tests and examinations to diagnose the disease and determine the underlying causes.
During a physical examination, the specialist will touch and examine different parts of the person's face to determine where the pain is occurring and whether it is caused by the trigeminal nerve. Reflex tests also help to determine which conditions are causing the symptoms.
The specialist can use some imaging techniques to determine whether multiple sclerosis or another tumor is the cause of the condition. Imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used. Magnetic resonance angiography can also be performed by injecting a dye into a blood vessel to determine the regularity of the blood vessels and blood flow.
Since facial pain can be caused by many different conditions, it is very important that the diagnosis and treatment is correct and timely. The doctor may also order different tests to rule out certain diseases.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment
In the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia by specialist doctors, medication is mostly applied. Some patients do not need any treatment besides medication. In some cases, the medication may not be sufficient to control symptoms and signs over time or may cause complications in the patient. For these patients, injections or surgical intervention may be a treatment option.
In the case of a different disease state, such as multiple sclerosis, treatment is planned based on the underlying factor. The specialist will often prescribe medication to control, reduce or completely eliminate the pain signals to the brain. If the medication is less effective, the doctor may increase the dose or prescribe a different type of medication.
Some side effects may occur during medication. Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, confusion, confusion and drowsiness.