Trigeminal Neuralgia (Tic Douloureux)

What is it?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden, severe, stabbing pain along the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain.

What are the symptoms?

Sharp, shooting pain along the jaw, cheek, or eye.
Pain is often triggered by touching the face, talking, or chewing.
Pain attacks last from seconds to minutes but can occur repeatedly.

What else could it be? (Differential diagnosis)

Dental issues: Tooth abscess or infection can mimic neuralgia pain.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: Can cause similar facial pain.

What are the aggravating factors?

Touching the face.
Stress and fatigue.
Wind or cold on the face.

What types of food are helpful?

Magnesium-rich foods: Such as spinach and almonds, as magnesium can help soothe nerve function.
Avoid triggers: Spicy, hot foods that may exacerbate nerve sensitivity.

What are the traditional treatments?

Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine): Used to control the pain by stabilizing nerve signals.
Surgery: In severe cases, procedures like microvascular decompression or gamma knife radiosurgery may be used to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve.

What are the natural and alternative treatments?

Acupressure or acupuncture: Some patients find relief from facial pain through acupuncture.
Capsaicin cream: Topical application can help alleviate nerve pain.
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can reduce nerve irritation.

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