Trigeminal Neuralgia is a long-term pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve. It is a form of neuropathic
pain. The typical form results in episodes of severe, sudden, shock-like, stabbing or burning pain in one side
of the face that lasts for seconds to a few minutes. It affects lifestyle as it can be triggered by common activities
such as eating, talking, shaving and brushing teeth. The wind, chewing, and talking can aggravate the condition
in many patients. This usually occurs due to compression from a blood vessel as the nerve exits the brain stem.
Treatment includes Medical management and Surgical management. Surgery is advised to patients who are not relieved
of pain with medicines. Surgery is called Microvascular decompression - this involves a small incision behind
the ear and some bone removal from the area. An incision through the meninges is made to expose the nerve. Any
vascular compressions of the nerve are carefully moved and a sponge-like pad is placed between the blood vessel
causing compression and nerve, stopping unwanted pulsation and thus pain is fully relieved.
