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neurological

Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia, also called Fothergill disease, tic douloureux, or trifacial neuralgia, is a long-term pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, the nerve responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. It is a form of neuropathic pain. There are two main types: typical and atypical trigeminal neuralgia.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

  • ·Typical: episodes of severe, sudden, shock-like pain in one side of the face that lasts for seconds to minutes
  • ·Atypical: constant burning pain

Causes — why it happens

  • ·Believed to be due to problems with myelin of trigeminal nerve

How it's found

  • ·Based on symptoms

Treatment

  • ·Medication,

Complications

  • ·Depression

Outlook

  • ·80% improve with initial treatment
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.