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What is the trigeminal nerve?
The trigeminal nerve is the main sensory nerve of the face, which transmits signals from the skin, muscles, teeth, eyes and mucous membranes to the brain. It has three branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular. Each is responsible for a specific area of the face, so the pain can be concentrated in different areas – from the forehead to the chin.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that manifests itself in sudden attacks of pain, which patients describe as “electric shock”, “shooting”, “sharp cutting”. Attacks can be single or serial, sometimes occurring dozens of times a day. There are two types of neuralgia:
- Primary (idiopathic) – when the nerve is irritated due to contact with a vessel that compresses its root.
- Secondary – when the pain is caused by another disease: a tumor, multiple sclerosis, the consequences of injuries or infections.
This is one of the most painful neurological disorders that requires clear diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
Symptoms of facial neuralgia
The main symptom is a sharp, intense, short-term pain. The duration of the attack is usually a few seconds, but the intensity is so high that the person freezes in place.
Characteristic manifestations:
- sudden shooting pains in the jaw, cheek, lips, nose or eye area;
- pain that is caused by minimal stimuli: touch, shaving, brushing teeth, chewing, talking, breathing cold air;
- feeling of muscle spasm or twitching during the attack;
- numbness, tingling after acute pain.
The symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia are sometimes similar to dental or ophthalmological problems, so it is important to correctly determine the source of the pain.
Causes of facial neuralgia
The most common cause is mechanical compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel. Prolonged pressure damages the myelin sheath, causing the nerve to become hypersensitive and react with pain even to minor stimuli.
Other possible factors:
- effects of head or facial injuries;
- viral lesions (especially herpesvirus);
- multiple sclerosis;
- tumors of the brain or skull base;
- dental diseases;
- chronic myofascial spasms and disorders in the functioning of the cervical spine.
In many cases, neuralgia develops against the background of a combination of several causes.
Diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia
Correct diagnosis allows you to distinguish trigeminal neuralgia from other causes of facial pain. Studies include:
Main examination methods:
- neurological examination with determination of the nature of pain and sensitivity;
- MRI of the brain to detect vascular compression, tumors, consequences of demyelination;
- analysis of trigger zones and anamnesis;
- consultation of a dentist or otolaryngologist if necessary.
It is MRI that is the key method that allows you to establish the cause of the pain syndrome and choose the right treatment tactics.
Methods of treatment of trigeminal neuralgia
Treatment is aimed at reducing the frequency and intensity of attacks, restoring nerve function and improving the quality of life.
The Spine Center of the HBMedical clinic uses modern non-surgical methods.
Main areas of therapy:
-
Drug treatment.
Anticonvulsants, agents for reducing nerve conduction, muscle relaxants.
This is the basic stage that stabilizes nervous activity. -
Physiotherapy.
Methods that reduce muscle spasm, improve blood circulation, reduce the tension of surrounding tissues
and reduce irritation of the trigeminal nerve. -
Traction and unloading techniques.
Especially effective if neuralgia is combined with tension in the cervical spine,
spasms of the masticatory and cervical muscles. -
Lifestyle correction.
Optimization of loads, normalization of sleep, reduction of stress factors. -
Surgical decompression.
Considered only in cases where conservative treatment is ineffective
or there is confirmed compression by a vessel.
In most patients, it is possible to significantly reduce the intensity of pain or completely eliminate attacks without surgery.
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