What Is Facial Neuralgia?

All facial neuralgias result from damage or malfunction of the trigeminal nerve. It is a cranial nerve (the fifth or V) that branches out on either side of the neck. This nerve, like all cranial nerves, affects sensations in your head and face like temperature, pressure, and pain. Facial neuralgias affect more older adults. There are several types with different causes and symptoms. All can be managed, but not necessarily cured.

Types

• Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is the worst of the facial neuralgias, according to Facial Neuralgia Associates, but also the one you are least likely to have. Around 150 million individuals annually are diagnosed with it. Atypical face pain (ATFP) is a collective category for facial neuralgias.

  This syndrome is typically less serious than TN, but the pain from it is more constant. Post-herpetic neuralgia follows an episode of shingles (more than 30 days after rash appears according to the New England Journal of Medicine) especially for those older than 50, states Facial Neuralgia Resources. Finally, anesthesia dolorosa is a incurable neurosurgery surgery complication where the trigeminal nerve is damaged.

Causes

• True TN is caused by: tumors, dental or facial surgery complications, multiple sclerosis, nerve pressure and injuries. Facial Neuralgia Resources states that the cause might never be understood in some cases. For anesthesia dolorosa, the person had alcohol or glycerol injections, balloon compressions or other surgical procedures that went wrong. For atypical facial pain, infections of the face or sinuses cause it, as do facial injuries.

Symptoms

• One-sided face pain is common for neuralgias. The pain might be stabbing, shooting, burning, pinching, shocking, constant or intermittent, according to Facial Neuralgia Resources. TN produces the most severe pain often described as excruciating and spasmodic. The symptoms of TN are triggered by activities like talking, eating certain foods, touching the face and stress. Numbness occurs with anaesthesia dolorosa. Pain is the most common complaint for post-herpetic TN.

Treatment

• Medication and surgery are the most common treatments for true TN. Cabamazepine (Tegretol) is the first choice according to Facial Neuralgia Resources. Surgery usually does not work for atypical facial pain, but medication does. For post-herpetic TN, an anti-depressant reduces pain. So can lidocaine patches. For anesthesia dolorosa, treatments like acupuncture, heat and cold therapy and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) units are recommended.

Pain Management

• Facial neuralgias definitely cause chronic pain which affects you physically and psychologically. Some techniques to manage physical pain include relaxation techniques and biofeedback suggests the Invisible Disabilities Association of Canada, exercises like Yoga or Tai chi and massage. To manage the psychological effects, attend supports groups with others affected by the condition, consult a mental health professional, or find an activity or hobby to distract you from the pain.