About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 18, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
«Previous
1
2
3
4
5
...
Next»

Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Nerve Pain) (cont.)

Medical Author:
Edward Lubin, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
James Ungar, MD

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.

Must Read Articles Related to Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Nerve Pain)

Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain Chronic pain is pain that persists for a period of six months or longer, and is the result of a long-standing medical condition(s) or damage to the body. Common...learn more >>
CT Scan (CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography)
CT Scan History CT was discovered independently by a British engineer named Sir Godfrey Hounsfield and Dr. Alan Cormack. It has become a mainstay for diagnosing med...learn more >>
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanner that takes cross-sectional images of the body. It is used to evaluate tissues of the head, neck, chest, limbs, abd...learn more >>
See the Entire Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Nerve Pain) Topic Guide »
Print

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Nerve Pain) - Treatment

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What treatments were effective for your trigeminal neuralgia?

View 40 Comments | Submit Your Comment

Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Nerve Pain) - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What were the symptoms of your trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)?

View 40 Comments | Submit Your Comment
Print
Privacy Policy

WebMD Daily

Get breaking medical news.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Trigeminal Neuralgia »

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

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Featured Topics

Topics Related to Trigeminal Neuralgia (Facial Nerve Pain)

Brain and Nervous System Topics

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies