Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
Trigeminal Neuralgia is typically described by the patients as episodes of extremely severe pain. TN is probably the most painful condition known to the human race.
The Trigeminal Neuralgia pain is described as:
a Lancinating pain (as if poked by thorns)
b Like electric shock (as if a live wire is left the free inside of the face)
c Stabbing pain
d Excruciating pain (as if a drilling machine is put on a certain part of the face)
e Stitching pain
f Shooting pain
g Burning (as if fire)
The Trigeminal Neuralgia pain may appear suddenly, may last for a fraction of a second, or maybe for a few minutes. The pain is periodic in nature. In rare cases, it may last for a couple of hours, making the patient almost immobile, whereby he or she may not be able to do any other activity. One would tend to hold the affected part until the pain settles. Some patients may feel frustrated and may think of committing suicide out of hopelessness.
The pain might typically get worse by following triggers:
a Chewing and drinking
b Brushing and gargling
c Touching the face
d Talking
e Kissing
f Slightest wind or draft of air
g Movement of eyelids or blinking
Trigeminal Neuralgia is more common in the age group of 40 years plus. However, younger people, as well as children, may also present with TN. Very uncommon in children. The pain may get triggered either without any cause or by certain motions involving the facial muscles, such as washing the face, brushing teeth, gargling, shaving, applying facial make-up, touching the face, blowing, kissing, etc. The pain may initiate in any of the parts supplied by the Trigeminal nerve. However, it may vary from patient to patient depending on which of the three divisions of the Trigeminal nerve is affected. It may present with pain in the head, upper face, cheeks, dental pain, pain in lips, side of the tongue, chin, etc. In some cases, the pain may present as dull aching, burning, constant pain. Usually, one of the sides (right or left) is affected. The cause: The exact cause of TN remains a mystery. It is observed to run in families, indicating genetic predisposition. A detailed case study in our practice has shown the history of prolonged stress in many cases. Prolonged underlying anxiety with the background of genetic diathesis may make one prone to this painful condition.
It is uncommon that TN will disappear spontaneously. However, there may be natural remissions or cyclical appearance of TN symptoms.