Knowledge Base

Posted on Jan 24, 2011

TN (Trigeminal Neuralgia) is a nerve disorder of unknown origin that causes sudden shock-like facial pains, typically near the nose, lips, eyes or ears. It is said to be the most excruciatingly painful human condition in the world. The disorder, also called tic douloureaux, is named for the three-part (trigeminal) nerve that supplies sensations to all parts of the face.

Posted on Jan 24, 2011

Posted on Jan 24, 2011

This page is a partial answer to the question “How do I find medical information on the Internet?” Finding information involves more than feeding keywords to a search engine. If you enter words like “pain” or “neuralgia” at any major Internet search site, the engine will deliver literally thousands of hits. A hit doesn’t become information until you find something that meets your need. This page may help you wade through the hits more quickly to find the gold nuggets.

Posted on Jan 24, 2011

See below for the most common questions asked of The Facial Pain Association (formerly The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association) about neuropathic facial pain, including TN (Trigeminal Neuralgia). The questions range from diagnosis to treatment options to how to talk to your doctor.

Posted on May 3, 2011

TN may rarely be the first symptom of MS, but usually does not begin until about 11 years after the onset of MS.
When TN is diagnosed in anyone under the age of 40, MS is suspected and should be ruled out.
TN with MS is 18% more likely to be bilateral. It usually begins on one side and after years occurs on the other. It is preferable to treat each side individually, while guarding against having numbness on both sides.
TN with MS is more likely to be atypical pain – dull, burning & constant rather than electric bolt type pain.
1-2% of MS patients develop TN.

Posted on May 3, 2011

Often it proves difficult for the physician and patient to determine the fine differences between classic trigeminal neuralgia and trauma induced trigeminal neuropathic pain. IN ORDER, to decide on the proper treatment plan it is imperative to recognize these differences. A destructive procedure used for classic TN could make neuropathic pain much worse.

Posted on May 3, 2011

Talk with your physician about classic trigeminal neuralgia versus neuropathic facial pain, or deafferentation pain. Many of the treatments for classic trigeminal neuralgia are not effective for other types of facial pain and could even make the pain worse.

Posted on May 3, 2011

Making a Difference. Addressing Concerns. Mental Health. Helping Diminish the Pain. Respite. Support and Information.

Posted on May 3, 2011

All tips are in the patient’s own words. These tips are anecdotal only and are not endorsed by TNA. They …