Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms

Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
Updated on January 04, 2025
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Regarding the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, there is a very typical symptom, which is the issue of trigger points. A trigger point is a specific spot on the face, which varies for each person. Once this spot is touched, it immediately triggers the pain of trigeminal neuralgia. The nature of trigeminal neuralgia pain is often like cutting or stabbing pain, and the duration varies. If the condition is mild, the initial attack may only last a few seconds, but if the condition gradually worsens without significant improvement, the pain can even last for several minutes. This pain significantly impacts patients, sometimes triggering pain during activities such as brushing teeth, rinsing the mouth, or chewing hard food. Early treatment is essential to mitigate this pain.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed?

The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is mainly based on the patient's clinical symptoms. It is mostly characterized by transient pain around the bilateral nasal root and corners of the mouth. There are generally no obvious prodromal symptoms before an attack; the pain occurs suddenly and stops suddenly. The nature of the pain is quite sharp, resembling knife-like cuts or a burning stabbing sensation. There are generally no significant signs before an onset, and the duration of an attack varies, lasting from a few seconds to several seconds, and even up to one or two minutes. Most patients experience sudden attacks and sudden cessation. Additionally, recurrent attacks can lead to severe adverse symptoms in patients and may even cause psychosomatic illnesses.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
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Early manifestations of trigeminal neuralgia

For patients with trigeminal neuralgia, the initial symptoms mainly include sudden onset of intense pain that stops abruptly. The nature of the pain is generally sharp, resembling sharp stabbing or knife-like pain. In most cases, trigger points are easily formed on the face, commonly appearing around the bilateral nostrils and corners of the mouth as fixed trigger points. Touching these trigger points can easily trigger an attack of trigeminal neuralgia, which lasts for a relatively short duration, typically from a few seconds to several seconds. In most cases, attacks are more likely to be triggered when the patient is tired, fatigued, or under mental stress.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How to relieve trigeminal neuralgia pain

For patients with trigeminal neuralgia, to achieve pain relief, initially, one can treat the disease by taking medication. Simultaneously, it is also appropriate to combine some physical therapies such as massage, tuina, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and electrotherapy. Acupuncture, in particular, helps significantly in relieving pain and improving symptoms. Moreover, to achieve a complete cure, it is advisable to opt for surgical methods. Clinically, it is generally recommended to choose microvascular decompression surgery for treatment. Most patients with trigeminal neuralgia can achieve desirable outcomes after undergoing surgery. Additionally, patients with trigeminal neuralgia should be careful with their diet and avoid overly greasy, spicy, and irritating foods. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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home-news-image
Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
48sec home-news-image

Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms

Regarding the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, there is a very typical symptom, which is the issue of trigger points. A trigger point is a specific spot on the face, which varies for each person. Once this spot is touched, it immediately triggers the pain of trigeminal neuralgia. The nature of trigeminal neuralgia pain is often like cutting or stabbing pain, and the duration varies. If the condition is mild, the initial attack may only last a few seconds, but if the condition gradually worsens without significant improvement, the pain can even last for several minutes. This pain significantly impacts patients, sometimes triggering pain during activities such as brushing teeth, rinsing the mouth, or chewing hard food. Early treatment is essential to mitigate this pain.

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home-news-image
Written by Guo Zhi Fei
Neurosurgery
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Trigeminal neuralgia is divided into several branches.

Trigeminal neuralgia is anatomically divided into three branches: the first branch is the ophthalmic branch, the second branch is the maxillary branch, and the third branch is the mandibular branch. The scope of pain can be used to roughly determine which branch is affected. Generally, pain located in the forehead area is caused by the first branch, the ophthalmic branch. Pain in the area from the tip of the nose to the lips is caused by the second branch, the maxillary branch. Pain from the lips to the angle of the jaw is caused by the third branch, the mandibular branch. Therefore, we can understand which branch is in pain by the distribution area and scope of the trigeminal neuralgia.