What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) or the commonly called “Facial Pain” is a disorder of the fifth cranial nerve that causes episodes of intense, sharp shooting, stabbing pain in the areas of the face where the branches of the nerve are distributed – lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, upper jaw, and lower jaw. It usually occurs in short, unpredictable attacks that can last from a few seconds to about two minutes. People with the condition may experience attacks of pain regularly for days, weeks or months at a time. In severe cases attacks may occur hundreds of times a day.

Here are a few symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia: Sharp pain / Pain that comes and goes / Pain must be in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve . Attacks of facial pain may be triggered by certain actions or movements, such as:

• talking

• smiling

• chewing

• brushing your teeth

• washing your face

• a light touch

• shaving or putting on make-up

• swallowing

• kissing

• a cool breeze or air conditioning

• head movements

• vibrations, such as walking or a car journey

Living with trigeminal neuralgia can be very difficult and your quality of life can be significantly affected. You may feel like avoiding activities such as washing, shaving or eating to avoid triggering the pain, and the fear of pain may mean you avoid social activities.

You should see a neurologist if you experience frequent or persistent facial pain, particularly if standard painkillers such as paracetamol don't work and a dentist has ruled out any dental causes. #facilapain #TN #trigeminalneuralgia #pain #painmanagement #painmedicine #specialist #neurologist #winnielimkhoo #doctor #physician #manila #philippines #health #healthy #diet #exercise #lifestyle