Dry Mouth From Trigeminal Tumor

A trigeminal tumor can cause a myriad of symptoms. Dry mouth is one especially bothersome symptom that is associated with this condition.

Identification

• A trigeminal tumor is a growth that is located near the trigeminal nerve (also called the fifth cranial nerve). This nerve is responsible for sending impulses to different areas of the face, jaw, gums, eyes and forehead from the brain. This condition is uncommon in those under 50 years of age. A patient that is suffering from this type of pain is said to have trigeminal neuralgia.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms associated with a trigeminal tumor are a shock-like pain that lasts for a few seconds, dry mouth, pain in the teeth, and facial pain. Certain things can trigger attacks of pain such as a cold wind, eating or taking a shower.

Causes

• Some of the most common causes of trigeminal neuralgia are multiple sclerosis, a brain tumor, or an aneurysm.

Effects

• Those that suffer from a trigeminal tumor may experience severe dry mouth. This is because there are certain trigger areas that are most often affected by the tumor. The most common trigger zones are inside the mouth, the cheek, nose and lips.

Treatment

• It is necessary to perform diagnostic testing such as an MRI to discover the cause of trigeminal neuralgia. If it is related to a brain tumor, then the physician usually recommends medications and surgery to remove the tumor if possible.