Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is trigeminal neuralgia?
- How common is trigeminal neuralgia?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes trigeminal neuralgia?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for trigeminal neuralgia?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia?
- What are the usual tests for trigeminal neuralgia?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help treat trigeminal neuralgia?
Definition
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia or facial pain is a rare disorder that causes pain in the trigeminal nerve. These nerves are the main nerves on the face which are located at the temples. This disease is a chronic disease accompanied by severe pain and can cause loss of energy. Symptoms can last for days, weeks, or months and can disappear over a period of months or years
How common is trigeminal neuralgia?
This disease can happen to anyone. However, this disease often occurs in people over 50 years of age and is more common in women than men.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?
The most common symptom is intense pain such as stabbing or electric shock on the part of the face that is affected by the nerves and its branches. Severe pain that is felt for a short period of time tends to come and go in the jaw area, lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, and on the face. The pain can occur without any initial symptoms, or it can occur when you talk, chew, dress up, wash your face, or brush your teeth. Sometimes, even touching a certain area can cause pain.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience prolonged facial pain, pain that comes and goes and doesn't go away, contact your doctor immediately.
Cause
What causes trigeminal neuralgia?
The cause of this disease is not known for sure. Sometimes, the disease can appear after tooth extraction, facial nerve trauma, herpes virus infection, or compression of the facial nerve due to blood vessels or tumors.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for trigeminal neuralgia?
There are many risk factors for trigeminal neuralgia, including:
- Gender: Women are more prone to this disease than men
- Genetics: This disease has the potential to be passed on to family members
- Age: You are at risk of developing this disease if you are over 50 years of age
- Health status: If you have Multiple Sclerosis then you are at risk for trigeminal neuralgia
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia?
Treatment depends on the symptoms that appear. The most important thing is that you should avoid engaging in activities that cause pain. In addition, you can also take pain relievers.
Surgery can be done to treat the tumor or compression on the nerves due to blood vessels, or other treatments can be done if it is not effective. Types of surgery include non-surgical radiation therapy, electrical stimulation, injections or open surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves.
What are the usual tests for trigeminal neuralgia?
Doctors diagnose based on symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Doctors may perform tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to find out other causes of pain.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help treat trigeminal neuralgia?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you treat trigeminal neuralgia:
- Eat soft foods
- Talk to your doctor if you are taking any medications, including those from a doctor's prescription or those purchased at a drugstore, and pay attention if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Call your doctor if:
- The symptoms do not go away even though you have taken the medicine that has been given by your doctor.
- You experience side effects from using the drugs
- Has new symptoms such as double vision, muscle weakness, facial changes when hearing and balance. This indicates another disturbance
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.