Tic douloureux

Tic Douloureux also known as Trigeminal Neuralgia, is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. It is characterized by severe, sudden facial pain that has been described as a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth, or gums.

Causes

Tic Douloureux is caused by a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brain stem. This pressure causes the nerve to misfire and send pain signals to the brain. Other causes can include a tumor or multiple sclerosis causing damage to the nerve.

Symptoms

The main symptom of Tic Douloureux is a sudden, severe facial pain that is often triggered by everyday activities such as eating, talking, or brushing teeth. The pain is usually felt on one side of the face and can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Tic Douloureux is primarily based on the person's description of the pain. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used to determine if a tumor or multiple sclerosis is the cause of the pain.

Treatment

Treatment options for Tic Douloureux include medications, such as anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants, and surgical procedures, such as microvascular decompression or gamma knife radiosurgery. In some cases, a nerve block may be used to provide temporary relief from the pain.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with Tic Douloureux varies. Some people may experience periods of remission, while others may have persistent, debilitating pain. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

See Also

• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Chronic Pain
• Nerve Pain