What is it?
Trigeminal neuralgia also known as trigeminal facial spasms is a nerve disorder that causes sudden electric shock-like pains near the eyes, ears, nose or lips. The affected three-part (trigeminal) nerve which sends sensations to all parts of the face can impact one side of the face, but some trigeminal neuralgia patients may experience pain on both sides of the face at different times.
Trigeminal neuralgia is often called the “suicide disease” because of the excruciating pain it causes.
What are symptoms?
Intensely sharp or stabbing pain is felt in the face where the nerve branches are distributed – lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, upper jaw, and lower jaw. Numbing sensations and sometimes itching or skin sensitivity is experienced in trigeminal neuralgia patients.
A less common form of the disorder called “atypical trigeminal neuralgia” can sometimes cause a dull, burning pain with sudden episodes of electric shock-like sensations.
How is it diagnosed?
The quality, characteristics and occurrence or frequency of the pains are used to diagnose trigeminal neuralgia. It is important to note the differences in pain for appropriate diagnosis.
More about how to describe the pain to your physician.
What treatments are offered?
Drug treatments for trigeminal neuralgia patients may include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, topical creams, narcotics/opiods, among others.
IV medicines that have been used include lidocaine, ketamine, and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP).
Medical treatments options for trigeminal neuralgia include nerve blocks, botox injections, pulsed radiofrequency and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Surgical treatments range from microvascular decompression surgery to radiosurgery using the CyberKnife®. It should be noted that certain surgical methods are not used for neuropathic pain and could increase the chance of complications. Your physician can guide you in choosing the appropriate form of surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia should it be necessary.
More about treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia
Learn more about the CyberKnife® treatment at Sentara