Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. The exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is unknown, but it's thought to be caused by arterial compression of the trigeminal nerve.
The first sign of trigeminal neuralgia is usually a sudden, severe, sharp and electric shock-like or burning pain in one side of your face. The pain is usually triggered by light touch, chewing, talking or brushing your teeth. Attacks can last for seconds to minutes, and they may occur frequently throughout the day. Other signs and symptoms include: Facial muscle spasms Pain that radiates from your cheek to your jaw Pain that worsens with changes in temperature extremes Tearing or redness of your eyes.
A sense of numbness or prickling in your cheek Dryness of your eye or mouth Loss of taste If you experience these signs and symptoms, see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because trigeminal neuralgia can worsen over time. Treatment can help relieve the pain and prevent further damage to the trigeminal nerve. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to decompress the nerve.
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*Disclaimer: Although welcome for treatment, these patients are excluded from offers:
1) MEDICARE, MEDICAID, TRICARE, and other government healthcare program participants and 2) personal injury and worker's compensation claimants.
