What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia and How Can It Impact Your Mouth?

If you experience sharp facial pain, you may be dealing with a condition known as trigeminal neuralgia. Dr. Kenneth Egger and his team in Mount Pleasant, MI, can provide a proper diagnosis of this condition and talk to patients about appropriate treatment options to reduce discomfort and improve their quality of life.

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a unique disorder of the trigeminal nerve, which carries the sensation of touch from the face to the brain. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, you may notice that even mild stimulation on your face, such as from brushing the teeth or applying makeup, might cause a jolt of unbearable pain.

What causes trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is typically caused by compression of what is known as the trigeminal nerve. Anything that puts pressure on the nerve, including tumors, certain diseases, and even teeth grinding, can cause trigeminal neuralgia. Rarely, the condition is caused by significant damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds some nerves.

What are the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?

The most common symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe attacks of pain that feel like an electric shock. The shock-like pain usually occurs on one side of your face at a time, but it can happen on both sides. The episodes of pain often come and go, and they can last for seconds or minutes. Some people have pain so severe that they can’t tolerate even the softest touch on their faces.

Is there a cure for trigeminal neuralgia?

There’s no cure for trigeminal neuralgia, but treatments can help relieve the pain. Options include medications, surgery, and other procedures. Dr. Kenneth Egger will always work with patients to help them determine the most conservative method of treatment, which may be the use of medications that can block pain signals from the nerves to the brain.

What do I do if I suspect I have trigeminal neuralgia?

Always talk to a medical professional, such as your primary care doctor or Dr. Kenneth Egger of Mount Pleasant, MI, to get a definitive diagnosis of your condition before considering options of treatment moving forward. Call 989-773-3560 to request an appointment at our facility to discuss your specific concerns and find a solution to improve your daily quality of life.