TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA : Everything you should Know – Causes, Symptoms. Types , Diagnosis & Treatments
Trigeminal neuralgia, also called prosopalgia, Fothergill’s disease is a neuropathic disorder characterized by episodes of intense pain in the face, originating from the trigeminal nerve [Tic douloureuxis]. The intense, stabbing, electric shock-like pain is caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which sends branches to the forehead, cheek and lower jaw. More common in females than males.
CAUSE OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
- Idiopathic
- It is manifested due to compression of the nerve.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
Episodes of intense pain over the face that last from a few seconds to several minutes or hours. It got triggered by eating, talking, shaving and brushing. It got aggravated by wind, high-pitched sounds, loud noises such as concerts or crowds, chewing and talking.
Nature of pain
- Stabbing electric shocks
- Burning
- Pressing
- Crushing
- Exploding
- Shooting
TYPES OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
- PRIMARY TN
Linked to the compression of the nerve, typically in the base of the head.
- SECONDARY TN
Pressure over nerve from a tumor, cyst, facial injury, or myelin sheath diseases.
DIAGNOSIS OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
- Clinical evaluation:- It includes a physical and neurological examination.
- Radiological – MRI
TREATMENT OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
- MEDICAL
*Anticonvulsants
*Analgesics
*Antidepressants
*External applications that contain gallium maltolate.
2) SURGICAL
- a) Microvascular decompression
- b) Percutaneous radiofrequency thermorhizotomy
- c) Gamma knife radiosurgery
- d) Balloon compression
- e) Glycerol injections