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Trigeminal Neuralgia



What is trigeminal neuralgia?


Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterised by intense pain originating from the trigeminal nerve.


The pain is usually described by patients as a sharp shooting pain or having an electric shock in the face or jaw.


Usually the pain is sudden and it can last a couple of seconds or minutes, also in most cases trigeminal neuralgia affects one side of the face.




What is trigeminal nerve?


Trigeminal nerve is our 5th cranial nerve, and its responsible for sensation in your face and motor functions like chewing and biting. Trigeminal nerve has 3 branches:

  1. The ophthalmic nerve (sensory nerve)

  2. Maxillary nerve (sensory nerve)

  3. Mandibular nerve (sensory and motor nerve)

Trigeminal nerve is a large nerve and helps your face to feel and recognise pain, touch , heat and cold by sending these information to your brain.




What causes trigeminal neuralgia?


Causes of trigeminal neuralgia include:

  • Vascular compression around the trigeminal nerve. When an artery or vein compresses and irritates the trigeminal nerve causing inflammation.

  • Tumor or cyst compresses the trigeminal nerve

  • Trauma or facial injury

  • Multiple sclerosis can cause a form of secondary trigeminal neuralgia

  • Accidents during dental procedures can damage the trigeminal nerve






Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia


  • The main symptom is a sharp facial pain that last for a few seconds or minutes. The pain can be very intense and is usually described as an electric shock in the cheek. The pain can be in the teeth, lower or upper jaw as well and often affects only one side of the face

  • Very often patients feel that an attack is about to happen, although the attacks are quiet sudden.

  • A burning sensation or an ache after a painful episode




Did you know?

  • 95% of trigeminal neuralgia cases are caused by pressure on the trigeminal nerve close to where it enters the brain stem

  • between 10-15k new cases of trigeminal neuralgia are diagnosed every year

  • 0,3% of population has trigeminal neuralgia

  • Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most painful disorders in orofacial region

  • TN often presents with symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders resulting from chronic severe pain




Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia


At Physio Pattern Manchester we will do a thorough assessment in order to find the real cause of your trigeminal neuralgia. A treatment plan will be developed to ensure a speedy recovery with long term results and no recurrence. An Individualised exercise program will be prescribed to you as well.


Physio Pattern Manchester is going to use some of the modalities below as assessment and treatment tools (click on the links below for more information).







If you would like more information of how Physio Pattern Manchester can help with this condition, or to book an assessment please call







 

Leading Physiotherapy Provider in Manchester. Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment in Manchester, Physiotherapy Treatment in Manchester city centre, Northern Quarter, Ancoats.Physio Manchester, Manchester Physio, Physio Manchester City Centre, Physiotherapy clinic in Manchester.

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