Trigeminal neuralgia

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Sudden severe facial pain, described as sharp, shooting or like an electric shock

Usually occurs in short attacks lasting from a few seconds to about 2 minutes, which stop abruptly

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

Is of unknown cause

Can be due to compression of the trigeminal nerve:
– may be the nearby blood vessel pressing on part of the nerve inside the skull

Rarer causes:
– MS or tumour which can damage to the trigeminal nerve

Triggers:
– shaving
– touching face
– eating
– drinking
– brushing your teeth
– talking
– putting on makeup
– breeze lightly blowing over your face
– smiling
– washing your face

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

27 in every 100’000 people are diagnosed with the condition in the UK each year

Affects women more than men

Rare in people under the age of 40

Most cases first seen between 50 and 60

Question 4

Risk factors

Answer 4

Age- people over 40

Gender- women are more likely than men

Medical conditions- certain medical conditions like MS can increase the risk

Dental procedures

Injury or Trauma

Question 5

Clinical presentation

Answer 5

Knife-like pain in one or more sensory divisions of trigeminal nerve

Severe cases- attacks may occur hundreds of times a day

Rarely in the ophthalmic division

May be brought on by the triggers

Pain that occurs with facial spasms

Pain rarely occurring at night while sleeping

Attacks may become more frequent and intense over time

Question 6

Prognosis

Answer 6

Long term condition, but it can be managed