Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment Procedures: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), also known as tic douloureux, is sometimes described as the most excruciating pain known to humanity. The pain typically involves the lower face and jaw, although sometimes it affects the area around the nose and above the eye. This intense, stabbing, electric shock-like pain is caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which sends branches to the forehead, cheek, and lower jaw. It usually is limited to one side of the face. The pain can be triggered by actions as routine and minor as brushing your teeth, eating, or the wind. Attacks may begin mild and short, but if left untreated, trigeminal neuralgia can progressively worsen.
Although trigeminal neuralgia cannot always be cured, there are Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatments available to alleviate the debilitating pain. Normally, anticonvulsive medications are the first treatment choice. Surgery can be an effective option for those who become unresponsive to medications or for those who suffer serious side effects from the medications.
Causes
Primary and secondary Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment are the two forms of TN. Although the specific cause of TN is uncertain, the discomfort associated with it is thought to be caused by nerve irritation. Compression of the nerve, usually in the base of the skull where the brain joins the spinal cord, has been linked to primary trigeminal neuralgia. This is usually caused by a healthy artery or vein coming into contact with the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain. This puts pressure on the nerve when it enters the brain, causing it to malfunction. Secondary TN is caused by a tumor, MS, a cyst, a facial injury, or any medical disease that affects the myelin sheaths pressing on the nerve.
Symptoms
The majority of patients say their pain starts suddenly and apparently out of nowhere. Other patients claim that their discomfort is the result of a car accident, a facial blow, or dental procedures. When it comes to dental work, it's more likely that the condition was already present and the initial symptoms were triggered as a result. Because pain usually begins in the upper or lower jaw, many patients mistakenly believe they have a tooth abscess. Some individuals see their dentists and end up getting a root canal, which provides little comfort. Patients know the problem isn't dental-related when the pain persists.
Diagnosis
Because there are no specific diagnostic tests and the symptoms are comparable to those of other facial pain syndromes, diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment can be difficult. When experiencing unusual, sharp pain around the eyes, lips, nose, jaw, forehead, or scalp, get medical attention immediately, especially if you have not recently had dental or other facial surgery. The patient should first consult with their primary care physician about the issue. Later on, they may recommend the patient to a specialist.
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