Overview of Tic Douloureaux (Trigeminal Neuralgia)
Tic douloureux, which is also known as trigeminal neuralgia, is a severe, stabbing pain to one side of the face. It stems from one or more branches of the the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face. The pain usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. It may be so intense that you wince involuntarily, which is why it's referred to as a tic. There is usually no pain or numbness between attacks and facial muscles function normally.
Tic douloureux is generally a disease of middle age or later life. Women are affected more often than men. People with multiple sclerosis are affected much more frequently than the general population. The condition, which has no obvious cause, causes excruciating, occasional pain on one side of the face. People affected are most commonly aged 50-70.
Content provided by UW Medicine Neurological Surgery, Seattle, Washington
Symptoms of Tic Douloureaux (Trigeminal Neuralgia)
Most people feel the pain in their jaw, cheek, or lip and only on one side of the face. (Figure 1)
Pain is usually triggered by a light touch of the face or mouth on the same side as the pain. The pain is so severe that people can become afraid to talk, eat, or move during periods of attacks.
Although attacks can last for weeks or months, there are usually periods of months or even years that are symptom-free. The pain of tic douloureux is usually controlled with medications or surgery.
Symptoms may come in flurries, then spontaneously stop for weeks, months or years. Symptoms include intermittent, electric shock-like jabbing, and stabbing pains on one side of the face, triggered by light touch, chewing or talking, and are followed by pain-free intervals.
Causes of Tic Douloureaux (Trigeminal Neuralgia)
This condition can occur when a blood vessel presses up against a trigeminal nerve inside the skull,. It can also be caused by multiple sclerosis.
Diagnosis of Tic Douloureaux (Trigeminal Neuralgia)
Diagnosis is determined by the patient's medical history and a physical examination. An MRI scan confirms the absence of any other disease.
Complications of Tic Douloureaux (Trigeminal Neuralgia)
Severe pain, and difficulty eating or talking.