Trigeminal Neuralgia: Understanding the Pain, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment Options – Insights by Dr. Kunal Bahrani
Imagine a sudden, sharp, electric shock-like pain shooting across your face while brushing your teeth, talking, or even feeling a light breeze. That’s how patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) often describe their experience.
This rare yet intensely painful neurological condition affects the trigeminal nerve, responsible for carrying sensations from your face to your brain.
Dr. Kunal Bahrani, Chairman & Group Director – Neurology at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad, is among the best neurologists in Faridabad who specializes in diagnosing and managing complex neurological pain syndromes like Trigeminal Neuralgia.
With advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, he focuses on helping patients reclaim their quality of life.
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects one or more branches of the fifth cranial nerve (the trigeminal nerve).
This nerve divides into three branches:
- Ophthalmic branch (V1) – affects the forehead and eyes.
- Maxillary branch (V2) – affects the cheek, upper lip, and upper teeth.
- Mandibular branch (V3) – affects the jaw, lower lip, and lower teeth.
Pain can occur in one or more of these areas, typically on one side of the face. It can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and may recur multiple times a day.
Common Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Patients often describe the pain as:
- Sudden, stabbing, or electric shock-like sensations
- Pain triggered by simple actions — brushing teeth, shaving, eating, or even touching the face
- Episodes lasting seconds to minutes but recurring frequently
- Pain that occurs on one side of the face
- Burning or aching sensation between attacks
- Emotional distress or anxiety about triggering pain
In severe cases, the pain may become so frequent and debilitating that patients find it difficult to perform daily activities.
What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?
The most common cause is compression of the trigeminal nerve root by a nearby blood vessel (artery or vein), leading to damage of the protective myelin sheath.
However, other possible causes include:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) – demyelination of the trigeminal nerve
- Tumors or cysts compressing the nerve
- Facial trauma or surgical injury
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) near the brainstem
- Post-herpetic neuralgia after shingles infection
In some cases, no clear cause is found — this is termed idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.
Who Is at Risk?
- Age: Usually affects people over 50
- Gender: Women are slightly more prone than men
- Neurological conditions: Those with multiple sclerosis are at higher risk
- Family history: Rarely, a genetic tendency may play a role
Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Accurate diagnosis is key to successful management.
Dr. Kunal Bahrani, one of the top neurologists in Faridabad, follows a comprehensive diagnostic approach that includes:
- Detailed Neurological Examination
- Understanding the nature, duration, and triggers of pain
- Identifying which branches of the trigeminal nerve are affected
- MRI or MR Angiography
- Helps detect nerve compression, tumors, or blood vessel abnormalities
- Diagnostic Nerve Blocks
- Sometimes used to confirm diagnosis and provide temporary relief
Early and precise diagnosis helps rule out other conditions like dental pain, sinusitis, or migraine.
Treatment Options for Trigeminal Neuralgia
The treatment strategy depends on the severity, frequency, and underlying cause of pain.
Dr. Bahrani focuses on personalized, evidence-based treatments that provide long-term relief and improve patient well-being.
- Medications
Medications are the first line of therapy.
- Anticonvulsants such as Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Gabapentin, and Pregabalin help stabilize nerve activity.
- Muscle relaxants like Baclofen may be added for synergistic effect.
- Antidepressants may also help in cases of chronic pain with emotional stress.
Regular monitoring is essential, as some drugs may require dosage adjustments or blood tests.
- Nerve Blocks and Injections
- Local anesthetic or steroid injections can provide temporary pain relief.
- These are often used as diagnostic tools or interim solutions for patients who cannot tolerate medications.
- Advanced Surgical and Interventional Procedures
For patients with severe or drug-resistant Trigeminal Neuralgia, interventional options include:
- Microvascular Decompression (MVD): A neurosurgical procedure that relieves pressure on the trigeminal nerve by repositioning the offending blood vessel.
- Radiofrequency Rhizotomy: Uses heat to selectively destroy nerve fibers causing pain.
- Balloon Compression: Temporarily compresses the trigeminal nerve to disrupt pain signals.
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: A non-invasive, precise radiation treatment targeting the trigeminal root.
Dr. Kunal Bahrani collaborates with neurosurgical teams at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad, to ensure the best outcomes for complex cases.
Lifestyle Management & Supportive Care
Beyond medical or surgical treatment, lifestyle changes and supportive therapies can make a big difference:
- Avoid known triggers (cold breeze, chewing hard foods, or facial touch).
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- Maintain oral hygiene but use soft brushes and gentle techniques.
- Engage in light physical activity to reduce stress.
Chronic pain management may also include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and support groups, helping patients cope emotionally.
Why Choose Dr. Kunal Bahrani for Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment in Faridabad?
As one of the leading neurologists in Faridabad, Dr. Kunal Bahrani brings extensive experience in managing complex nerve pain conditions.
Highlights of his approach:
- Over two decades of experience in clinical neurology
- Specialized expertise in neuro-pain syndromes and neuro-interventional care
- Access to advanced diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive procedures
- Patient-centered care with a focus on long-term outcomes
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary approach at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad
His commitment to excellence and compassionate care makes him a trusted name for patients seeking the best neurologist in Faridabad.
FAQs on Trigeminal Neuralgia
Q1. Is Trigeminal Neuralgia curable?
While there is no permanent cure, most patients can achieve long-term pain control with medications or procedures like microvascular decompression or radiosurgery.
Q2. Can stress worsen Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Yes. Stress can heighten pain sensitivity and trigger episodes, making relaxation and stress management crucial.
Q3. Is Trigeminal Neuralgia related to migraine or sinus pain?
No. Although facial pain can occur in both, Trigeminal Neuralgia is characterized by sharp, electric-like pain triggered by touch or movement.
Q4. How long does treatment take to show results?
Medications often start working within days, while surgical treatments may offer relief within weeks.
Q5. When should I consult a neurologist?
If you experience sudden, severe facial pain that recurs frequently, consult a neurologist like Dr. Kunal Bahrani promptly to prevent worsening.
Conclusion
Trigeminal Neuralgia can be a life-altering condition, but with early diagnosis and expert care, it can be effectively managed.
Under the guidance of Dr. Kunal Bahrani, Chairman & Group Director – Neurology at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad, patients receive a blend of compassion, technology, and advanced treatment solutions for lasting relief.
If you or a loved one experiences unexplained facial pain, seek expert consultation from the best neurologist in Faridabad, Dr. Kunal Bahrani, to explore the most effective treatment options.