Knowing the signs and symptoms of a health condition can lead to a faster diagnosis and treatment. So, if you are concerned about developing trigeminal neuralgia, you should be familiar with trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
If you have questions about the condition you should always consult a medical professional. Only a qualified health care provider can make an official diagnosis.
But monitoring for symptoms can help the diagnosis process and get your treatment faster. So, keep reading for a helpful trigeminal neuralgia guide.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve which is responsible for communication between the brain and parts of the face. When this nerve’s function is disrupted it can cause chronic pain around the face. The disruption often occurs because the trigeminal nerve comes in contact with a blood vessel at the base of the brain.
This condition is more common in men than women and more common among older adults (over 50) than younger individuals. Trigeminal Neuralgia is often a complication of multiple sclerosis or another disease that impacts the nerves.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms
The primary symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is pain but the type, severity, and location of the pain may vary. Pain can be triggered by everyday activities, such as:
- Brushing your teeth
- Eating or drinking
- Touching your face or putting makeup on
- Washing your face
- Smiling or other facial expressions
Trigeminal neuralgia can be severe and sharp or they can be dull and achy. The pain episodes can be triggered by the events above but you may not always be able to identify a trigger.
The pain episodes can last a few seconds or a few minutes. The frequency of pain episodes is different for different people but they can happen for several days, weeks, or months. Pain episodes may become more consistent and intense over time.
Another symptom of trigeminal neuralgia pain is facial pain on only one side of the face or one specific place on the face. If you notice these patterns, talk to a doctor about your pain management options. A doctor may recommend that you see a specialist, including a neuralgia surgeon.
Treatment and Tips
Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia may include various prescription pain medications to manage symptoms. There are also several surgical options to reduce pain.
There are a few other trigeminal neuralgia tips to try including regular acupuncture, nutritional therapy, and meditation. Keeping your stress low may also help your pain symptoms.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Explained
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of trigeminal neuralgia symptoms and potential triggers. Knowing more about the condition can help you make a decision about treatment including medication and/or surgery for trigeminal neuralgia.
If you are experiencing symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, talk to your doctor right away. And if you are looking for additional health, technology, or education articles, read the other articles on our site.