Trigeminal Neuralgia

Overview

Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve pain confined to one or two branches of the trigeminal nerve, characterized by severe, paroxysmal, brief, unilateral, electric shock-like pain. It is often triggered by everyday activities such as face washing, tooth brushing, and speaking.

Symptoms

• Severe facial pain
• Paroxysmal pain
• Trigger point sensitivity
• Lightning-like pain

Treatment

Carbamazepine and similar drugs are the first choice for controlling pain. For patients in whom medication is ineffective or not tolerated, microvascular decompression or radiofrequency thermocoagulation may be considered.

Dietary advice

Eat warm, soft, easy-to-chew foods, and avoid overly cold, hot, and spicy foods to reduce pain triggered by chewing.