Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a chronic painful condition that affects the trigeminal nerve in the face. Let’s explore it in detail:

1. Overview:

   • Trigeminal neuralgia causes intense pain, often described as an electric shock, on one side of the face.

   • The trigeminal nerve carries signals from the face to the brain.

   • Even gentle touch, such as brushing teeth or applying makeup, can trigger severe pain.

   • It’s considered a chronic pain condition that may worsen over time.

2. Symptoms:

   • Intense Shooting Pain: Feels like electric shocks.

   • Triggered Episodes: Pain occurs with facial movements (touching, chewing, speaking).

   • Duration: Episodes last seconds to minutes.

   • Affected Areas: Cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, and less commonly, the eye and forehead.

   • Unilateral Pain: Usually on one side of the face.

   • Worsening Frequency and Intensity: Pain may become more frequent and intense.

3. Causes:

   • Compression by Blood Vessels: Often, contact between a blood vessel (artery or vein) and the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain causes pain.

   • Other Causes:

     • Multiple Sclerosis: Damage to the myelin sheath protecting nerves.

     • Aging

     • Tumor Compression

     • Cerebral Injury

4. Complications:

   • Severe Pain: Debilitating impact on quality of life.

   • Depression and Anxiety: Due to persistent pain.

   • Neglect of Oral Hygiene and Nutrition: Fear of triggering pain.

   • Rarely: Complications related to the trigeminal nerve or brain.

5. Treatment Options:

   • Medication:

     • Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine)

     • Anti-spasmodic medication (e.g., baclofen)

     • Neurotoxins (Botulinum toxin injections)

     • Glycerol injections

   • Procedures:

     • Balloon compression

     • Microvascular decompression

     • Brain stereotactic radiosurgery

     • Radiofrequency thermal lesioning

Remember that while trigeminal neuralgia can be challenging, proper management can significantly improve quality of life. Consult Dr Chinmoy Roy at Rajarhat Pain Clinic Kolkata for personalized evaluation and treatment option