Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Pain in the Facial Nerves
Facial nerve pain is also known as trigeminal neuralgia. This pain is chronic in nature and affects the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve carries the sensation from the facial muscles to the brain. Those who are affected by this condition experience excruciating pain even while brushing their teeth. In the initial stages, the person will only experience pain in mild jolts. With progression of the disease, the pain will become more severe in nature and will last longer. The person may experience frequent episodes of excruciating pain.
The person who has facial nerve pain will show symptoms of intense pain that may be described as an electric shock. Symptoms include mild pain that occurs occasionally while brushing, chewing, and speaking. The pain predominantly occurs in the jaw, cheeks, gums, lips, and teeth. However, some people may experience pain in the forehead and eyes as well. The pain may last for a few minutes to several minutes at times. It generally affects just one side of the face, but the pain may increase in intensity and frequency over time.
The main cause of facial nerve pain is due to a disruption in the functioning of the trigeminal nerve. There is a contact that is established between the trigeminal nerve and a vein or an artery, at the base of the brain. When there is pressure on this contact, it tends to hamper the functioning of this nerve and this leads to pain. The person who suffers with this pain is likely to feel intense pain after a visit to the dentist. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis can manifest through this nerve pain and this may get aggravated due to any change in facial expression or even when the face is exposed to wind.
Treatment for facial nerve pain will include medications as the first line of treatment. Antispasmodics and anticonvulsants are generally prescribed. If the patient responds well to this line of treatment, then nothing more is required. However, in case the patient does not respond to medications and alcohol injections then, surgery may be the only option. When surgery is performed, the affected nerve is compressed in order to prevent malfunctioning of the nerve.
Published by Scott Kessman
Scott Michael Kessman is a freelance writer and also the author of The Tales of Tanglewood YA fantasy series. The novels meld together Irish & Celtic mythology with modern-day folklore, and are enjoyed by al... View profile
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