Trigeminal neuralgia

This is abnormal inflammation of the trigeminal nerve of the face. It usually affects adults and causes intense, stabbing pain and electric shock-like spasms. The cause is not usually found but can sometimes be due to compression of one of its branches (upper branch: forehead and scalp; middle branch: nose, cheek and upper lip; lower branch: lower lip, and jaw) on one side of the face. It may be triggered by shrill noises, brushing your teeth, chewing, drinking, eating or by simply touching the face. The diagnosis with clinical examination should include a neurological assessment, as well as blood tests, MRI and an assessment of trigeminal nerve reflexes. The basic treatment is to control the pain caused by the inflammation of the nerve, and sometimes anticonvulsant drugs, muscle relaxants and/or tricyclic antidepressants. Surgery may occasionally be indicated to relieve pressure on the nerve. Because of the condition’s acute and very alarming nature, patients usually attend the emergency department. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause of the symptoms.