Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is known to be some of the worst pain in the world. Disruption to the trigeminal nerve, which stretches throughout the head and is responsible for facial motor skills and sensations, is the cause of this chronic pain condition. Pressure and damage to the nerve makes it malfunction and send pain signals to the brain.
The trigeminal nerve branches throughout the face, including along the jaw, above the eye and through the cheeks. The pain associated with disruption of this nerve is sometimes a constant and aching or it may be set off by a series of triggers, including:
- Touching your face
- Eating and drinking
- Brushing your teeth
- Washing your face or putting on makeup
- Talking or smiling
- Shaving
- Breezes
The pain along the trigeminal nerve is severe. In some cases, medications, injections or surgery can treat it. There are many different causes associated with trigeminal neuralgia, including:
- Aging
- Multiple sclerosis
- Tumor
- Brain lesion
- Stroke
- Facial trauma
- Surgical injury
Trigeminal neuralgia can be caused by another medical condition or abnormality, or it can be the result of a surgical error. This may happen in procedures involving the head, face or jaw, in which the nerve is damaged.
While TN is not fatal, it can be extremely debilitating. Pain management tactics can help those who suffer from TN, but there is not a cure for the condition. Patients often seek compensation for their condition if it is the cause of a medical error and may utilize support groups to deal with the chronic pain.
