What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a common neurological condition that causes painful sensations on one side of the face, often not crossing the middle half. It is, in fact, the most common cause of facial pain and is predicted to affect 10 to 300 per 100,000 people worldwide. The nature of pain can differ from person to person. Patients often describe it as stabbing, needle-like, burning, tearing, or electric shock-like.
This chronic pain condition is caused by dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve, transmitting pain signals from the face to the brain. Patients often suffer from sudden outbursts of excruciating pain in the affected areas. Onset and termination of each episode are abrupt, often lasting a few seconds to several minutes. Vibration, contact with the cheek, or even the slightest breeze can trigger an episode. Interestingly, it rarely occurs at night during sleep. However, as the condition progresses, it can result in more persistent and frequent attacks of agonizing facial pain that occur in intermittent bursts. In extreme cases, it can be accompanied with twitching of the cheeks and other symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes.
What is Trigeminal Nerve?
To better understand the pathology of trigeminal neuralgia, it is important to learn about the trigeminal nerve. Trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve and contains both sensory and motor fibers. It is responsible for providing sensory (touch, pain and temperature) and motor functions (such as biting and chewing). It extends from the brain to one side of the face and splits into 3 nerve branches, each travelling along its designated area. First is the ophthalmic branch, transmitting sensation from most of the scalp, forehead and the eyes. Second is the maxillary branch, suppling nerves to the cheek, upper jaw, top lip, teeth, gums and side of the nose. Third is the mandibular branch, receiving sensation signals from the lower jaw, teeth, gums and bottom lips, and providing motor functions to the lower jaw.
Depending on the nerve branch affected, patients will present pain along its distinct area of coverage. More than one nerve branch of the same side can be affected at the same time. In some rare cases, both sides may be affected at different times, or even more rarely at the same time.
Who are commonly affected by Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Although trigeminal neuralgia can happen in any one of any age, including infants, it is more common in women and tends to affect older people of age 50 and above.
Why does Trigeminal Neuralgia occur?
Any compression or disease of the trigeminal nerve can result in trigeminal neuralgia. The most common reason is due to a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve. Other possible causes are multiple sclerosis (a disease resulting in nerve coating deterioration), tumour compression, or traumatic injury of the trigeminal nerve.
How can we manage Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Acupuncture has been clinically shown to be effective in reducing the intensity and/or frequency of the pain attacks. Trigeminal neuralgia is closely related to the Yang meridians, and is believed to be caused by stagnation of Qi and blood. Acupuncture can improve Qi and blood circulation, thereby reducing pain. Common acupoints are Tai Yang, Si Bai, Xia Guan, Di Cang, Jia Che, Ying Xiang, and Cheng Jiang. Although acupuncture has to be administered by a professional, you can massage these acupoints at the comfort of your own home. However, do be gentle and avoid sudden movements to prevent triggering pain attacks.
Simple lifestyle changes can also significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of pain episodes:
Do not wash your face with water too hot or cold. Avoid facial irritation.
Keep warm and avoid direct contact with wind.
Take control of your emotions and stay optimistic. Avoid mood swings.
Consume more vegetables, nuts and foods rich in vitamin B.
Maintain oral hygiene.
However, should the pain persist or even worsen over time, do seek medical help as soon as possible. Stop suffering in silence!
Contact Us
Donation
Volunteer
Facebook