Alternative Names
Tic douloureux
Definition of Trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes a stabbing or electric-shock-like pain in parts of the face.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The pain of trigeminal neuralgia comes from the trigeminal nerve. This nerve carries pain, feeling, and other sensations from the brain to the skin of the face. It can affect part or all of the face, and the surface of the eye.
Signs and tests
A neurologic examination is usually normal.
Treatment
Your primary care physician, a neurologist, or a pain specialist may be involved in your care.
Expectations (prognosis)
How well you do depends on the cause of the problem. If there is no underlying disease, some people find that treatment provides at least partial relief.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 6/16/2010
