Trigeminal Neuralgia is a Type of Facial Pain

Painful attacks called trigeminal neuralgia may occur unprovoked or may be caused by stimulation of the face. Stimulation can occur from something as simple as brushing the teeth, shaving, or applying makeup. Pain may occur in only a small area of the face or it may spread across a wider area of the face. The attack may be as short as a few seconds, or it may last for a minute. Severe attacks may feel like an electric shock. This condition typically affects only one side of the face. The trigeminal nerve functions to transmit sensations from the face to the brain. When a normal artery or vein comes into contact with the trigeminal nerve, the pressure causes the nerve to misfire. Other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, a stroke, or a tumor may cause the pain of trigeminal neuralgia. A gentle breeze or smiling may trigger the pain.

Medications for trigeminal neuralgia decrease or block pain signals sent to the brain. Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), and phenytoin (Dilantin) are anticonvulsant medications that physicians prescribe to treat trigeminal neuralgia. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that is more effective when used in combination with carbamazepine or phenytoin. Surgery is also an option when medications do not control the pain.