Trigeminal neuralgia describes a sudden, excruciating pain that happens as the result of a mild stimulation to your face. It may start as mild pain, but if it isn’t treated, it can result in more severe and frequent attacks.
The Painless Center located in both Fort Lee and Carlstadt, New Jersey, helps patients with trigeminal neuralgia manage their symptoms find relief. Here’s all you need to know about the condition and what’s causing your facial pain.
Every year 150,000 people are diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). TN affects the fifth cranial nerve, which is the largest cranial nerve that controls the sensation in your face.
When a blood vessel presses against the trigeminal nerve, it can elicit jolting pain. As TN continues to happen, the artery may wear down the nerve’s insulation, leaving it more vulnerable and susceptible to pain.
Many people with multiple sclerosis experience TN as an early symptom. In rare cases, TN is the result of a tumor, nerve injury, or tangled arteries.
The pain of TN is generally classified into two groups — type 1 or type 2. Type 1 describes the more common type of TN pain, which usually arises after you’ve experienced a mild sensation in your face. Examples include feeling a breeze, applying blush to your cheekbones, or sipping a drink. The pain is generally sudden and sharp, followed by a period of remission.
Type 2 describes the less common type of TN pain. A person with this type 2 describe the pain as feeling like a burning sensation across the span of their face. This type sometimes has no remission period and is more difficult to treat.
For some, TN pain can last for weeks and even months. This can disrupt many avenues of your life and put a toll on your wellbeing.
Jason Chiu, MD can help you manage your TN pain so you can live a happy, healthy life again. There are a variety of different medications that can greatly minimize your symptoms. These medications include:
In addition to medication, Dr. Chiu may suggest alternative therapies like meditation and yoga to help reduce your pain.
You don’t have to live with the pain of TN or deal with treatment alone. No matter how mild or severe your condition is, Dr. Chiu can guide you toward a more comfortable future. Call us, or book online to schedule your TN consultation with Dr. Chiu.
