Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes severe, sudden facial pain, often described as an electric shock. This pain typically affects one side of the face and can be triggered by simple actions like brushing your teeth, eating, or even a light touch. The pain comes from the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation. In many cases, it is caused by a blood vessel pressing on the nerve, leading to irritation and intense pain episodes.

This condition is most common in people over 50 and occurs more frequently in women. High blood pressure may increase the risk, and in some cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) or tumors may play a role.

Treatment options focus on reducing pain episodes and improving quality of life, including: - Medications, such as anticonvulsants, which help calm nerve activity and reduce pain episodes. - Surgery, such as microvascular decompression (MVD), which relieves pressure on the nerve by moving the blood vessel causing irritation. - Other procedures, including nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation, which use heat to target the peripheral nerves associated with the trigeminal ganglia, disrupting pain signals.

While these treatments can provide relief, symptoms may return over time, making long-term management important.

If you're experiencing persistent, severe facial pain, early treatment can help manage symptoms and improve daily function. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.