What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face.

Common Causes

• Blood vessels pressing on the trigeminal nerve
• Multiple sclerosis
• Tumor
  
  

Symptoms Requiring Management

• Severe facial pain
• Spasms
• Pain while chewing or brushing your teeth
  
  

Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Patient history
• Neurological examination
• Potentially MRI scans
  
  

Conservative Treatments

• Anticonvulsant medications
• Antidepressants
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
  
  

Interventional Treatments

• Nerve blocks
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Surgery on the affected nerve
  
  

Goals of Treatment

• Manage pain
• Restore normal function
• Improve the patient’s quality of life