Often referred to as the “suicide disease” due to its excruciating pain, Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic condition that affects the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain and spreads across the cheeks, jaw, lips, and nose. “When triggered, the condition causes intense, shock-like pain that can feel unbearable. While the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia can be intolerable, various treatment options are now available to manage and alleviate symptoms,” Dr. Anurag Saxena, Cluster Head Delhi-NCR - Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, told Times Now.

According to estimates, the condition affects an estimated 12 per 100,000 people annually, with the risk increasing as you age. Experts say that even though most cases are diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70 years, it also occurs in younger individuals - including children. “Due to frequent misdiagnosis, the actual prevalence may be higher,” Dr. Saxena added.

While the key symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is a severe, stabbing pain that occurs on one side of the face, typically around the eyes, cheeks, lips, and lower jaw, it also leads to electric shock-like jolts lasting a few seconds to minutes. It is mostly triggered by simple activities such as brushing teeth, chewing, drinking, shaving, or exposure to wind, making day-to-day activities very challenging for those affected. A few other sensations that you may feel in between pain attacks include:

• Burning
• Throbbing
• Numbness
• Dull achiness

What causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?

In general, pressure on or damage to your trigeminal nerve causes the condition. According to doctors, it is categorized based on the specific cause:

It happens when a blood vessel pushes on part of the trigeminal nerve root

It happens when another condition damages or affects your trigeminal nerve, like a tumour or multiple sclerosis. Doctors say those who suffer from the secondary type are more likely to be younger and have pain on both sides of their faces.

Doctors diagnose idiopathic when there is no clear cause of your facial pain after doing diagnostic tests.

According to Dr. Saxena, a few ways you can treat this painful and debilitating condition, include:

Anticonvulsants - medicinal drugs typically used for epilepsy, can help control nerve impulses and reduce pain. Also, muscle relaxant medications like baclofen help relieve spasms that may contribute to trigeminal neuralgia.

Microvascular Decompression is a microscopic procedure that involves relocating or removing blood vessels compressing the trigeminal nerve, providing long-term relief from the pain. This is a definitive procedure with a high chance of a permanent cure for pain.

Percutaneous Rhizotomy is a minimally invasive procedure where part of the trigeminal nerve is intentionally damaged to block pain signals. Also, radiofrequency ablation, a procedure where heat is used to selectively destroy part of the trigeminal nerve, offering temporary pain relief can be used.

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