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Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Nerve Pain) (cont.)

Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms

  • A defining feature of trigeminal neuralgia is the trigger zone-a small area in the central part of the face, usually on a cheek, nose, or lip, that, when stimulated, triggers a typical burst of pain.

    • A light touch or vibration is the most effective trigger.

    • Because of this, many common daily activities trigger the attacks.

      • Washing your face, brushing your teeth, shaving, or talking

      • Common sensations such as having wind hit your face

      • Eating and chewing

  • Many people avoid food and drink rather than experience the severe pain.

    • These people risk weight loss and dehydration, a leading cause of hospitalization in this group.

    • People frequently require hospitalization for rapid pain control when their trigeminal neuralgia becomes unmanageable at home.

  • Between attacks, most people remain relatively pain-free. A subgroup, however, experience a dull ache between attacks, suggesting physical compression of the affected nerve, either by a blood vessel or some other structure.



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Trigeminal Neuralgia »

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common and potentially disabling pain syndrome, the precise pathophysiology of which remains obscure.

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