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Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, severe, electric-shock-like facial pain on one side, often triggered by light touch, chewing or a breeze. It comes from irritation of the trigeminal nerve.
Causes & risk factors
- A blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve
- Nerve irritation or damage
- Occasionally linked to multiple sclerosis
- Rarely, a growth pressing on the nerve
Common symptoms
- Sudden stabbing or electric-shock facial pain
- Pain on one side of the face
- Attacks triggered by touch, chewing or wind
- Short bursts lasting seconds to minutes
- Pain-free periods between attacks
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis (history and exam)
- MRI brain
Treatment & management
- Specific nerve-pain medicines (ordinary painkillers rarely help)
- Adjusting medicine doses under specialist guidance
- Procedures on the nerve if medicine does not control pain
- Surgery to move the blood vessel off the nerve in selected cases
- Identifying and avoiding personal triggers
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe facial pain interfering with eating, drinking or daily life
- Facial pain with weakness, numbness, vision changes or a rash — get urgent review
- Pain that is not controlled by current treatment
- A first episode of severe facial pain that needs a diagnosis
Frequently asked questions
Why do ordinary painkillers not work?
Trigeminal neuralgia is nerve pain, which responds to specific nerve-calming medicines rather than standard painkillers. A doctor can prescribe and adjust the right type.
Can it be cured?
Many people are well controlled with medicine, and surgery can give long-lasting relief in suitable cases, especially when a blood vessel is pressing on the nerve.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.