Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms
Sep 24, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Zhao
Introduction
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized primarily by sharp, electric-shock-like or stabbing pain that is extremely severe. Each episode typically lasts only a few seconds and resolves spontaneously. Pain is commonly triggered by touching the lips, nose, eyebrows, or mouth. During an attack, the pain is as intense as being cut with a knife or shocked by electricity and is often accompanied by facial muscle twitching, lacrimation, salivation, and facial flushing, among other symptoms.
Trigeminal neuralgia is the most common cranial nerve disorder, characterized primarily by recurrent, paroxysmal, severe pain affecting one side of the face within the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve.
The pain predominantly affects the facial region and is typically described as electric-shock-like or stabbing in nature—intensely severe. Each episode usually lasts only a few seconds before resolving spontaneously.
Pain is commonly triggered by touching the lips, nose, eyebrows, or mouth. Attacks occur suddenly without warning and are almost always unilateral.
During an attack, the pain is as severe as being cut by a knife or struck by an electric shock, often accompanied by facial muscle twitching, lacrimation, salivation, and facial flushing.
Between attacks, patients are asymptomatic during the interictal period. Surgical intervention is available for treatment; however, recurrence after surgery is common.
