Trigeminal neuralgia

Overview

A blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve is the usual cause.

Pain lasts seconds to minutes and can come in bursts.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Electric shock face pain
• Electric-shock pain in the face

Less common

• Pain triggered by brushing teeth

Look up a symptom: Electric-shock pain in the face · Sharp, shooting, or electric head pain · Toothache or tooth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets

When to get medical care

Causes

Nerve compression.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Over 50
• MS

Diagnosis

Exam and MRI.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• MRI:

Treatment

Avoid triggers.

Self-care

• Note triggers
• Use a straw for cold drinks
• Protect your face from wind

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults over 50: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Would surgery help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Trigeminal neuralgia