Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition which is characterized by pain on the face. Trigeminal neuralgia directly affects the trigeminal nerve which is one of the largest nerves in the head. This nerve is responsible for sending the impulse of pain, touch, temperature and pressure to the brain. It is located through the jaw, face gums, eyes and forehead.
The major reason for pain is the blood vessel which rises on the nerve near the brain stem. With the passage of time the change in the blood vessel of the brain can cause the blood vessels to rub near the trigeminal nerve root. When the rubbing becomes constant with each and every heartbeat, it wears the insulating membrane of nerve which results into the nerve irritation.
When you are suffering from the trigeminal neuralgia, you to have sudden and severe pain which lasts for seconds. To many the pain is like electric shock and stabbing. This pain can be felt in face and also around the nose, eyes, lips, forehead and scalp. Usually the symptoms are brought when you are brushing your teeth, applying makeup to your face or when you are touching the face. It can also be felt when you are swallowing. Trigeminal neuralgia is the pain which is often considered to be the one of the most painful conditions involving the face.
Under normal conditions, trigeminal neuralgia is felt on one side of cheek and jaw. At times some people also experience the pain on both the sides. The pain attack can also be repeated one after the other. The pain may come and go for day and it can also continue for days. Trigeminal neuralgia is more common in women as compared to men. The age factor also plays role in this disorder as it is usually found in those over 50 years.
DISCLAIMER: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.