Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also called tic douloureux, is a chronic electric shooting pain condition that affects the trigeminal or 5th cranial nerve which innervates the facial area.
What are the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?
- Often affect one side of face
- Sudden severe shooting or electric pain
- Triggered by light contact such as washing face, brushing teeth or shaving
What are the causes of trigeminal neuralgia?
- Idiopathic TN with unknow cause
- Classical TN due to vascular compression on the nerve
- Secondary TN due to underlying diseases such as multiple sclerosis