Trigeminal Neuralgia

Understanding Facial Nerve Pain

Trigeminal neuralgia (also called “tic douloureux”) is a condition that causes sharp, stabbing pain in your face. This pain may shoot through your cheek, jaw, mouth, nose, forehead, or around your eye. It comes from a problem with one of your cranial nerves—the trigeminal nerve.

Doctors don’t always know exactly what causes trigeminal neuralgia. But the pain can be severe and come in short bursts or last longer. Many things, like brushing your teeth, eating, or even a light breeze, can trigger it to happen many times a day.

How It's Diagnosed

Your doctor will ask you about your pain. They will also do a physical exam to look for trigeminal neuralgia. If they think you may have it, they might send you to a board-certified neurosurgeon for more testing.

Some tests that may rule out other causes:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – This scan uses magnets to take pictures of your brain and nerves. It helps doctors make sure the pain isn’t caused by something else, like a tumor.
• CT Scan (Computerized Tomography) – This advanced X-ray takes detailed images of your brain and skull to check for other issues.

Treatment Options

The right treatment for you depends on your age, health, and how serious your symptoms are. Your doctor may recommend one or more of these options:

• Medication – Most people begin with anticonvulsants or muscle relaxers to help manage the pain. These drugs work for many people, but sometimes they become less effective over time.
• Microvascular decompression (MVD) – In this surgery, the surgeon takes out blood vessels that are pressing on the trigeminal nerve. This can stop the pain at its source.
• Balloon compression – A thin tube with a balloon on the end is positioned near the nerve for balloon compression. The balloon is gently inflated to press on the nerve and block pain signals.
• Injections – A doctor injects a small amount of glycerol near the nerve to stop pain signals. This may give relief, but it usually isn't permanent. In the past, alcohol injections were used, but they are no longer recommended.
• Electric current – A tiny heated wire (electrode) damages the nerve and stops pain signals. The wire is placed through a needle into the trigeminal nerve.

You Don't Have to Live With the Pain

If you think you may have trigeminal neuralgia, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor or a specialist. The right treatment can help you take back control and feel like yourself again.