Trigeminal Neuralgia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

The presence of cancer or tumors in the body can cause a host of other medical conditions and problems. Trigeminal neuralgia can result from tumors pressing on specific nerves. While working with an oncologist to treat your cancer, you may also find it necessary to work with other professionals to address residual medical issues as well. Let’s look at some more details concerning trigeminal neuralgia.

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

This is a condition that is characterized by severe pain radiating from the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is located near the top of the ear and separates into three sections near the eye and jaw. A trigeminal nerve runs down each side of our faces. Usually, the pain will only affect one side of the face. According to the experts at Yale Medicine, there are between 10,000 and 15,000 new cases of this condition each year.

This type of pain is very different from a common headache, toothache, or jaw pain. Many people describe this pain as stabbing or like electrical shocks. In some severe cases, the individual will even have trouble eating or drinking due to the pain. As the condition worsens, the episodes of pain will last longer and longer.

What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia

This condition is often spontaneous, but in some cases, it can be caused by other health conditions, facial trauma, or dental procedures. One cause can be blood vessels that are pressing against the nerve. This is referred to as vascular compression. The condition can also be caused by a tumor growing in the area of the nerve and pressing against the nerve.

What Are the Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia?

The most common symptom of this condition is pain in the side of the face. This condition is more common in women than it is in men. Many people report more pain and symptoms at night than during the day as well. Other related symptoms can be anxiety over the pain returning.

As the condition continues, the pain will often intensify. This is probably due to the fact that whatever is irritating the nerve is rubbing against the myelin, a protective layer that surrounds all nerves. As this protective layer is rubbed away, the nerve is more and more exposed meaning that it will cause more and more pain.

If you are experiencing severe pain in your face and have been diagnosed with a tumor, talk with your oncologist today. It’s important to address the issues before they escalate into more prolonged periods of pain. Turn to Phoenix CyberKnife & Radiation Oncology Center for caring, compassionate cancer care.

Posted June 12, 2023