Trigeminal Neuralgia
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? Trigeminal (tri-JEM-i-nal) neuralgia (noo-RAL-jah) (TN), also known as tic douloureaux is a painful disorder of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve carries touch, pain, pressure and temperature feelings from the face to the brain. It causes sudden attacks of severe face pain. An attack usually affects only one side of your face and can last a few seconds to several minutes. These attacks may occur many times a day or only rarely. TN may upset your normal living activities, and be difficult to cope with. TN usually affects middle aged and older adults.
What causes trigeminal neuralgia? TN is caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve, resulting in wasting and irritation of the nerve. This may be caused by an abnormal blood vessel or other conditions such as a tumor pressing on the nerve. The following may trigger a pain attack:
- Eating, talking, smoking, or swallowing.
- Putting on makeup, chewing, yawning, or even feeling a slight breeze.
- Touching or stroking your face.
What are the signs and symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia? You may have sudden, severe, stabbing, knife-like pain near the nose, lips, eyes, or ears. The pain is most often on one side of your face.
How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed and treated? TN is often diagnosed by the typical symptoms. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may be done to rule out other conditions causing TN. During a MRI, pictures are taken of your brain and blood vessels.
Treatments may include medicine called anticonvulsants, because these drugs reduce the impulses that cause the pain of TN. Narcotic pain medication may be needed and used for short periods of time for severe (very bad) pain. Radiation of the nerve or surgery may be needed to take pressure off the trigeminal nerve if your medicine does not decrease or take away your symptoms.For support and information: You may feel scared, confused, and anxious because of your TN. You may blame yourself and think you have done something wrong. These feelings are common. Talk about them with your caregiver or with someone close to you. Ask your caregiver about attending a support group for people with this problem. Contact the following for more information:
- Trigeminal Neuralgia Association
2801 SW Archer Road
Gainesville, FL 32608
Phone: 1-800-923-3608
Web Address: www.tna-support.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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