Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, sometimes is described as the most excruciating pain known to humanity. The pain typically involves the lower face and jaw, although sometimes it affects the area around the nose and above the eye. This intense, stabbing, electric shock-like pain is caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which sends branches to the forehead, cheek, and lower jaw. It usually is limited to one side of the face.
There are two separate trigeminal nerves, one on each side of the face. These nerves are responsible for carrying the sensation of pain and other sensations from the face to the brain. Each nerve has three branches (forehand, midface, and chin). It’s possible to have TN of any (or all) branches. TN causes intense pain in part or all of the face. The pain can be brought on by mild stimulation of the face, such as brushing your teeth or shaving. It’s often described as feeling like electric shocks or stabbing. People with TN may initially have short, mild instances of pain, but over time they may experience longer, more frequent attacks of intense pain. Most people with TN experience symptoms in cycles — pain comes and goes for days or weeks, then subsides. In some cases, the condition becomes progressive and pain is always present.
There is no specific test for TN, so diagnosis can take time. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Several medications are available to provide relief from pain and to decrease the number of episodes. Sometimes surgery is required.




 

Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) :-


Pain is the primary symptom of trigeminal neuralgia. There are two types:-
1. Type one is characterized by sudden, burning severe pain. It's like getting shocked by electricity, and it can last only seconds up to a couple of minutes. Unfortunately, these brief episodes can often occur repeatedly for up to two hours.
2. Type two is more of a constant burning pain that has less intensity compared to type one.
Both types of trigeminal neuralgia can affect the same person, sometimes even at the same time. You might feel pain on only a small area of your face, but it may also spread to more areas. Interestingly, the pain rarely occurs at night. The pain is generally experienced on only one side of the face, but more than one branch of the trigeminal nerve can be affected. In very rare cases, both sides of the face can be affected.
These pain episodes can significantly impact someone's quality of life. It can lead to depression and social isolation, as they are fearful of having another attack that can incapacitate them. Even more unfortunate is that trigeminal neuralgia progressively gets worse. Although you may have pain-free times, these eventually go away and the pain continues to get worse.

Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia :-










 

Trigeminal neuralgia may be caused by a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve. Over time, the pulse of an artery rubbing against the nerve can wear away the insulation, which is called myelin, leaving the nerve exposed and highly sensitive.
These symptoms can be similar to those caused by dental problems, and sometimes people with undiagnosed trigeminal neuralgia explore multiple dental procedures to control the pain.
Multiple sclerosis or rarely a tumor can cause trigeminal neuralgia. Researchers are exploring whether or not postherpetic neuralgia (caused by shingles) can be related to this condition.

Ayurvedic view and Treatment options of Trigeminal Neuralgia:-

In Ayurveda, Trigeminal Neuralgia can be correlated with Anantavata, one among the 11 types of ShiroRoga having similar clinical presentations. It is a disease in which Tridoshas vitiate the manya or greeva parswa and produce severe intolerable pain at the back of the neck, in the eyeball, frontal region, root of nose, and temporal region. In severe conditions, it also causes hanugraha, netra-rogas and gandaparswakampa.












The Ayurvedic treatment consists of natural herbs and oils that restore the imbalanced Vata dosha. There are numerous herbs available that work synergistically to control the pain and inflammation. The herbal medicines improve the micro-circulation within the nerve so that the nerve starts functioning at an optimum level and reduces irritability and perception of pain.


Ayurvedic Herbs and Herbal formulations used are:-