Trigeminal neuralgia describes severe, attack-like, usually unilateral facial pain originating from the trigeminal nerve.
Trigeminal neuralgia is an inflammation/irritation of the fifth cranial nerve that can cause extreme, electric shock-like pain in the face. Located below the temple, the ramifications of the nerve lead to various facial regions, such as the upper and lower jaw. Those affected suffer short-lasting, very intense attacks of pain, which can be caused by touch on the one hand, but can also occur spontaneously on the other. The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is pressure on the nerve at the brain stem by a blood vessel; other causes can be infections or tumours. In some cases, the cause remains unclear.
In the first instance, the pain is treated with medication; if this does not bring any improvement, the nerve can be exposed by neurosurgery, which leads to relief of the pain in the majority of cases. Other non-surgical interventions include glycerol filtration and thermocoagulation.
The best possible therapy is determined for each patient individually after detailed clarifications in an interdisciplinary pain team. Invasive treatment is carried out by the neurosurgery specialists.
