Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is described as the most excruciating pain. The pain may involve the lower face and jaw. It can impact the area on the nose and above the eye areas. Here are the common feelings of trigeminal neuralgia:
- intense
- stabbing
- electric shock-like pain
These feelings are caused by irritation of the TN, which sends branches to the following parts of the face:
- forehead
- cheek
- lower jaw
The pain is triggered by your daily routine and some minor activities, such as:
- brushing your teeth
- eating
- win
Attacks may start mild and can be short, which can be the best time to get trigeminal neuralgia treatment. However, if it is left untreated, TN can worsen. Even though TN can’t always be cured, some treatments alleviate the debilitating pain. Anticonvulsant medications are the initial treatment option. Surgery can be an effective option for those unresponsive to medications or for those suffering from serious side effects from the taken medications.
Trigeminal nerve
The trigeminal nerve is a set of cranial nerves in the head. TN is a nerve responsible for providing sensation to the face. A trigeminal nerve runs to the left side of the head and the other to the right. Each nerve has 3 different branches, namely trigeminal, which means three and “geminus” means twin. When the trigeminal nerve leaves the brain, it travels in the skull. It is divided into three smaller branches that control sensations on the face:
- V1 (Ophthalmic Nerve). The first branch will control the sensation in the forehead, upper eyelid, and the eye.
- V2 (Maxillary Nerve). The second branch will control the sensation in the following:
- lower eyelid
- cheek
- nostril
- upper lip
- upper gum
- V3 (Mandibular Nerve). The third branch that controls the sensations in:
- jaw
- lower lip
- lower gum
- muscles used for chewing
TN diagnosis
Trigeminal neuralgia is a very difficult condition to diagnose because it has no specific diagnostic test. The symbols are nearly similar to other facial pain disorders. Thus, it is essential to seek medical care when sharp pain is felt around the following parts:
- eyes
- lips
- nose
- jaw
- forehead
- scalp
Most especially, if you experience facial pain yet you have not recently had dental or other facial surgery. The patient must start by managing the problem with a primary care physician.
Take trigeminal neuralgia seriously as it can be severe when ignored. Most patients feel so much pain when they don’t get any treatment earlier.