Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes sudden, severe facial pain that can feel like an electric shock or stabbing sensation. It usually affects one side of the face and can cause brief attacks lasting from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. Because of its intensity, it is often considered one of the most painful conditions a person can experience.
This condition happens when the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain, becomes irritated or compressed. The most common cause is a blood vessel pressing against the nerve, but in some cases, conditions such as multiple sclerosis or previous injuries can also play a role. Age increases the risk, and it is more common among people over 50.
Symptoms include bursts of severe pain in areas like the cheek, jaw, teeth, or lips. Everyday activities such as chewing, talking, brushing teeth, or even feeling a breeze on the skin can trigger an episode. The unpredictability of the pain can make people feel anxious or avoid daily activities for fear of triggering an attack.
Treatment usually starts with medications that calm nerve activity, such as carbamazepine, which can reduce both frequency and severity of attacks. If medicines do not provide enough relief, injections or surgical procedures may be used to reduce the pressure on the nerve or interrupt pain signals. With the right approach, many people achieve long-term relief and can return to their normal routines.
Providing specialized neurological and pain management care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Sader combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes.
