Tic Douloureux

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Tic Douloureux Tic Douloureux, also known as Trigeminal Neuralgia, is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for carrying sensation from the face to the brain. This condition is characterized by severe, sudden, and shock-like facial pain.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of Tic Douloureux is intense facial pain, which can be triggered by everyday activities such as:

  • Chewing
  • Speaking
  • Brushing teeth
  • Light touch to the face

The pain is often described as stabbing or electric shock-like and can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Episodes may occur in quick succession or sporadically over days, weeks, or months.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of Tic Douloureux is not always clear, but it is often associated with:

  • Compression of the trigeminal nerve by a blood vessel
  • Multiple sclerosis, which can damage the myelin sheath of the nerve
  • Tumors or other lesions affecting the trigeminal nerve

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of Tic Douloureux is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic pain pattern. However, additional tests may include:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to rule out other causes
  • Neurological examination to assess nerve function

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment options for Tic Douloureux include:

Medications[edit | edit source]

  • Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine
  • Muscle relaxants like baclofen

Surgical Options[edit | edit source]

  • Microvascular decompression
  • Gamma Knife radiosurgery
  • Rhizotomy

Other Therapies[edit | edit source]

  • Nerve blocks
  • Acupuncture

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for individuals with Tic Douloureux varies. Some people experience relief with treatment, while others may have persistent or recurrent pain. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

See Also[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]

Tic Douloureux is a rare disease.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD