Clinical information
Understanding the diagnosis
The pain is often described as an electric shock in one or more areas on one side of the face and can be triggered by speaking, chewing, brushing the teeth or touching specific areas.
In classical trigeminal neuralgia, a blood vessel may contact the trigeminal nerve near the brainstem. It is also important to exclude secondary causes and distinguish the condition from other forms of facial pain.
Symptoms and context
Information that guides assessment
- Brief attacks of electric-shock facial pain
- Clearly defined everyday triggers
- Pain usually limited to one side of the face
- Insufficient response or side effects from medication
- Sensory changes or other neurological signs
Case review
Second opinion
A second opinion helps compare the expected duration of pain relief, the risk of sensory change and the specific risks of each procedure, taking age, general health and MRI findings into account.
How to request a second opinion →