Neuralgia is characterized by attacks of stabbing, burning, tingling or burning pain that usually involves the skin, occurs without visible signs of tissue damage, and is caused by stimuli that usually do not affect the perception of pain.
There are many types of neuralgia, but we will discuss neuralgia in more detail, i.e. trigeminal neuralgia, which is also called facial neuralgia by many and is one of the most severe and violent pains that can affect us. It appears suddenly and covers half of the face. It usually lasts a few seconds, but sometimes up to two or more minutes. Fortunately, it goes away as quickly as it comes. Sometimes it appears once in a lifetime and sometimes it can paralyze part of the face or occur even several times a day.
Patients compare this pain to an electric shock and it also manifests itself locally, e.g. around the eye, sinus, jaw, however, it occurs only during the day and may be accompanied by lacrimation, runny nose, salivation, as well as taste, smell and hearing disorders. Even the smallest stimulus, such as touching or a change in temperature, can trigger it.
Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by pain in this nerve. It is divided into three twigs, one of which has its ending under the eye, the second on the jaw, and the third in the area of the superciliary arch. Neuralgia is caused directly by damage to one of these nerves, which is designed to conduct information, and itself sends a very violent signal that it is not functioning properly.
Diagnose such pains can be directed primarily to the general practitioner, who, after excluding other possibilities, will write a referral to a neurologist who will seriously deal with the ailment. He may order an X-ray of the area that is affected by pain, as well as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. In addition, electromyography (EMG) of nerve conduction and electroencephalography (EEG) may be helpful, which by their nature diagnose brain activity.
All these tests should be performed to rule out other diseases that manifest themselves in a similar way, as well as to choose the right way to treat the condition. Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia consists in the first phase of taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory tablets. At the same time, it is worth considering what stimuli most often cause attacks, after which we will reflexively learn to avoid them. You can additionally use ointments or plasters suitable for this type of problem, which warm up the painful area.
Equally helpful may be the regular use of B vitamins, especially B12, and acupuncture or acupressure is also often effective. Only when these simple methods fail should you go to a neurosurgeon. He may use appropriate treatments to eliminate pain, or, as a last resort, surgically separate the trigeminal nerve from the vessel that oppresses it.