Trigeminal neuralgia is considered one of the most painful pathologies that exist. It is caused by a alteration of the trigeminal nerve, can directly affect the patient's quality of life. That is why a correct diagnosis and treatment becomes especially important. It is also known as facial neuralgia or paroxysmal facial pain syndrome.
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia refers to a chronic pain affecting the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting information and sensations between the face and the brain.
It is more common among women over 50 years of age, and causes acute pain that can affect the patient's quality of life.
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Usually, the trigeminal neuralgia patients, experience a stabbing pain that is usually located on one side of the face. This usually occurs suddenly, causing pain crises in the patient.
On other occasions, the pain occurs constantly, and may radiate to other areas, such as the forehead, eyes or gums, and may be accompanied by a burning sensation that spreads across the cheek.
It is common for this pain to appear while the patient performs daily activities, such as touching the face or brushing the teeth, which can activate trigger points.
Causes of facial neuralgia
As explained previously, the Causes of this pathology are related to the alteration of the trigeminal nerve. In some cases, it may be caused by pressure from a blood vessel, either a vein or an artery, on the nerve.
In other cases, it may be caused by degenerative diseases, for example, multiple sclerosis. This is due to the wear and tear of myelin, which is the protective layer that surrounds the nerves.
Other patients suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, as a result of the existence of a tumor pressing on the nerve.
Types of trigeminal neuralgia
Depending on the symptoms that the patient presents, they can be differentiated different types of trigeminal neuralgia.
First of all, essential neuralgia. In this case, neuralgia is caused by pressure on the nerve by blood vessels. Idiopathic neuralgia, in this case, the patient experiences symptoms and pain, without there being a specific cause that can be associated with it. Finally, we differentiate secondary neuralgia, which appears as a consequence of other pathologies, such as tumors or multiple sclerosis.
Diagnosis of facial neuralgia
If pain appears in the face, it is recommended that the patient go to a traumatologist expert in neuralgia. Firstly, a study of the patient's medical history will be carried out, with the aim of finding antecedents that may be related to the appearance of pain. In addition, the patient will have to explain in detail the symptoms they have presented.
Secondly, a neurological examination will be performed, in which palpation of the patient's face will be performed to find out which branches of the nerve are affected. Additionally, in many cases, a reflex test is performed to clarify the cause of the pain.
Many times, it is necessary to perform complementary tests, such as MRIs or CT scans. The objective is to rule out or confirm the existence of a tumor or other pathologies that may cause compression of the trigeminal nerve.
Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia
Once the diagnosis has been made, treatment is usually preventive, that is, the main objective is to relieve the patient's pain. However, in most cases it is not possible to completely eliminate it.
It is common that, first of all, a pharmacological treatment is prescribed, based on anti-inflammatories or anticonvulsants, to help relieve the patient's pain. The muscle relaxant medications, contribute to muscle relaxation, but often cause side effects in the patient, such as drowsiness or disorientation.
In most cases, the patient usually requires stronger treatment. For example, blocking nerve branches with radiofrequency. Also, the application of botulinum toxin is recommended, which sometimes relieves pain in people who no longer feel relief with anti-inflammatory treatments.
In the most serious cases, in which the pain negatively affects the patient's quality of life, surgery is usually resorted to.. The most common treatment consists of microvascular decompression. That is, the placement or removal of blood vessels that press on the trigeminal nerve, causing pain.
Prevention of trigeminal neuralgia
In most cases this pathology is inevitable. However, it has been shown how glycemic control in diabetic patients can help prevent its appearance. As well as, the medications used for shingles treatment, can also be useful for prevention.
In a high percentage of patients, treatment is preventive and the main objective is to prevent it from affecting their quality of life. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient avoid stressful situations that could trigger a pain crisis. As well as, performing relaxation exercises, which help control it.
As explained throughout the post, it is important to detect symptoms early and visit a professional. In this way, a preventive treatment can be applied to relieve the pain that the patient suffers.
4 thoughts on “¿Qué es la neuralgia del trigémino? Causas, prevención y cirugía”
In my case, this symptomatology is affecting my quality of life, let me explain, it makes it difficult for me to feed myself due to the hyper sensitivity in my lips and the pain when trying to open my mouth to access food, very sharp pain in my jaw.
The information published is very clear and understandable, grateful in full.
Thank you very much for reading and commenting on our blog!
We are very sorry for your situation, and we hope that, little by little, your symptoms improve.
All the best!
Thanks for the information, now I can understand what is happening to me, two days ago I had two upper molars extracted and a week ago a lower molar, because of the latter I did not have a headache, but with these two upper teeth I have a headache that does not I can't stand it, I didn't understand, but after reading this 😔 I understand now, thank you very much
Great Maria Luz. A hug!