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By Prodyut Das

Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms

by Prodyut Das
(New Delhi, India)

Trigeminal Neuralgia Symptoms

Trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureax) is characterised by paroxysmal attacks of severe, short, sharp, stabbing pain affecting one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve. The pain involves the second or third divisions more often then the first; it rarely occurs bilaterally and never simultaneously on each side, occassionally more than one division is involved. Paroxysmal attacks last for several days or weeks; they are often superimposed on a more constant ache. When the attacks settle, the patient remains pain free for many months. The annual prevalence of TN is approximately 6 per 100,000 persons. Women are affected more than men. TN usually affects the elderly, with onset in the sixth or seventh decade in over 50% of patients. Multiple Sclerosis is the disease most clearly linked with TN, and 2% to 8% of patients with TN also have Multiple Sclerosis.

Trigeminal neuralgia pain- Chewing, speaking, washing the face, tooth brushing, cold winds or touching a specific 'trigger spot', e.g. upper lip or gum, may also precipitate an attack of pain. Trigeminal neuralgia more commonly affects females and patients over 50 years of age.



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