Shelby Township Dentist Explains Trigeminal Neuralgia

I recently had some patients who have had symptoms of a condition called trigeminal neuralgia.  I thought it would be a good topic to discuss since I haven’t done so in the past and that it affects a number of people and possibly those who are reading this right now.

Trigeminal Neualgia.  It has been described as among the most painful conditions known to humankind. The pain is in the face and is felt as a shooting electrical shocks of  pain in the ear, eye, lips, nose, scalp, forehead, cheeks, teeth, jaw and the side of the face.  It is estimated that 1 in 15,000 people suffer from Trigeminal Neuralgia and may be significantly higher due to frequent misdiagnosis.  In the majority of cases, it begins appearing more frequently over the age of 50 and is more common in females than males.  It can affect brushing of the teeth, shaving and placing make up.

The trigeminal nerve is a paired (one on each side of the head) cranial nerve which has its root in the brain.  There are 3 branches that go to the face.  The ophthalmic nerve, the maxillary nerve and the mandibular nerve.  The most common areas that are affected  are the side of the face.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment:  There is no treatment but it can be managed with  an anticonvulsant carbamazepine and other medications such as antidepressants can be used.  Neuropathic pain is difficult to manage since its cause is from the nerve root itself.  If you has these symptoms you may be referred to a neurologist for further treatment.

 Shelby Township Dentist Explains Trigeminal Neuralgia

If you have any other questions that you would like me to answer on this forum please contact me by calling (586)247-3500, email me at DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com or writing the office at: Ask the Gentle Dentist 15055 22 Mile #2, Shelby Twp. MI 48315.