Trigeminal Neuralgia
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia causes sharp, stabbing pain in the face, sometimes triggered by just a breeze or a smile. It can feel like a jolt that comes out of nowhere, and for many, the fear of that next wave of pain becomes part of everyday life.
You don’t have to live in fear of the next attack. There’s help.
What It Feels Like
Trigeminal neuralgia causes short, sudden bursts of pain that can feel like electric shocks on one side of the face. These bursts may last seconds, or minutes, and may happen many times a day. Sometimes the pain is triggered by things that should never hurt, like brushing your teeth, chewing, or even talking.
Some people also feel a dull ache or burning between episodes.
Common Triggers
The pain of Trigeminal neuralgia is often set off by everyday movements, like:
- Touching your face
- Talking or laughing
- Chewing or swallowing
- Brushing your teeth
- Feeling wind or cold air on your skin
Knowing your triggers is one step toward feeling more in control.
Possible Causes
Trigeminal neuralgia happens when something affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries feeling to your face. In most cases, that nerve is being pressed on by a nearby blood vessel.
Other causes can include:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Tumors pressing on the nerve
- Nerve damage from injuries or surgery
- In rare cases, the cause is unknown
Who's at Risk
Trigeminal neuralgia can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in:
- People over 50
- Women
- People with high blood pressure
- People with migraines or nerve conditions
Even if you’ve lived with facial pain for years, a new path forward is still possible.
How It’s Diagnosed
A diagnosis starts with a conversation—about your symptoms, your pain, and how it affects your life. Your care team may recommend an MRI to rule out other causes or spot pressure on the nerve.
The goal isn’t just to name the problem. It’s to understand how it’s affecting you—and how to start easing that pain.
How Treatment Helps
Trigeminal neuralgia is treatable. Medications can calm the nerve and reduce pain. For some, surgery may be the right step—especially when other treatments haven’t worked.
Every plan is personal. Your care team walks with you to figure out what works for your body, your needs, and your life.
Why Choose CHRISTUS Health?
You deserve care that sees you as more than your symptoms. At CHRISTUS Health, your story matters — every worry, every hope, every step forward.
Here, caregivers take the time to listen before they act, to hold your hand before a procedure, and to celebrate each small milestone with you. Care is close to home, shaped around your needs, and ready when you are.
From your first visit to your last follow-up, you’ll have a team that treats you like family — walking with you through the hard days and cheering you on through the better ones.
Because your health journey isn’t just about getting better. It’s about feeling understood, supported, and never alone.