Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition of the trigeminal nerve, the nerve that carries sensation from the face to the brain. The trigeminal nerve is one of the largest nerves in the head. It sends touch, pain, pressure, and temperature impulses to the brain from the face, gums, forehead, and around the eyes.

People with trigeminal neuralgia may feel intense pain from any facial stimulation – even when applying makeup or brushing teeth. The condition begins with short, mild pain but often progresses to longer, more intense pain. It can affect mood, sleep, employment, and overall health.

The most common cause is a blood vessel pressing on the nerve near the brain stem. Over time, this pressing wears away the insulation in the nerve, causing irritation. The condition can come and go over months or years. It is more likely to occur in women age 50 and older. Trigeminal neuralgia often is manageable with medications, injections, or surgery.

The UAB Medicine departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery provide specialized evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the body’s central nervous, peripheral nervous, and muscle systems. Our internationally known neurologists and neurosurgeons address the most complex problems within their specialty, in both adults and children. Their approach to care combines compassion with the most advanced technology available. UAB Neurology/Neurosurgery is consistently ranked among the top 50 programs of their kind nationally by U.S. News & World Report, which also has ranked UAB’s program No. 1 in Alabama.

Care Providers

Wink Fisher, III, MD Brain and Tumor Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery

Resources

• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Department of Neurosurgery

Related Specialties

• Brain Tumor
• Stroke