What is the Difference Between Trigeminal Neuralgia & TMJD

Trigeminal neuralgia and TMJD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, are similar in that they are both painful conditions involving the head and face, but they have different causes, symptoms and treatments.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Trigeminal neuralgia, or tic douloureaux, involves the trigeminal nerve, a cranial nerve that transmits impulses from your face to your brain.

TMJD

• TMJD involves the temporomandibular joint, the joint on either side of your face that hinges your jaw.

Symptoms

• The primary symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is an intense, shooting pain in the head. An aching or clicking jaw, difficulty chewing and headaches are all symptoms of TMJD.

Duration

• The shooting pain of trigeminal neuralgia is brief, but the attacks themselves consist of a series of pains that usually last for a few days. TMJD pain can be chronic.

Causes

• Trigeminal neuralgia has many possible causes, from pressure on the nerve to multiple sclerosis to a tumor. Sometimes the cause is unknown. TMJD is caused by inflammation of or damage to the joint.

Treatment

• Your doctor may suggest injections to numb the nerve to treat trigeminal neuralgia. For TMJD, she may recommend bite guards and therapy to manage stress. Both conditions can also be treated with medications and surgery.