Trigeminal nerve or the fifth nerve carries the sensation to the face. Neuralgia is nerve pain. Trigeminal neuralgia causes facial pain along the path of the nerve and its branches. It is unbearably painful. You will have a sharp, severe and a stab-like pain with a tingling sensation in your face. This will last few seconds to minutes. It is more commonly seen in women who are middle-aged. Multiple causes have been suggested for causing this neuralgia.
Triggers
According to Mayo Clinic, there are several inciting factors. Shaving, washing the face and applying make up involves contact with the cheek. This acts as triggers for the nerve pain. Daily activities like eating, drinking and talking also act like stimulus for the neuralgia. Stress can also trigger a painful attack.
Abnormal Blood Vessel
An abnormal blood vessel, where the nerve exits from the brain can put pressure on the nerve roots. This will wear the nerve and damage the protective sheath of the nerve. This will result in more firing of the nerve and abnormal function. Hence, there is transmission of pain signals, which is experienced as a stabbing pain. Abnormal blood vessels are the most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a nervous system disorder. It leads to loss of the myelin sheath, which protects the nerve. This nerve irritation impairs the nerve impulses and causes trigeminal neuralgia. Multiple sclerosis should be ruled out in a young person developing trigeminal neuralgia, according to the University of Pittsburgh.
Tumors
A cancerous or noncancerous growth pressing on the nerve where it leaves the brain can lead to trigeminal neuralgia. Alternatively, a tumor arising from the nerve itself can compress the nerve.
Neuropathy
Any disease of the nerve irritates the nerve and increases the firing of the nerve.
Injury or damage to the nerve, which happens with trauma to the skull, increases the misfiring of the nerve. Injury to the nerve can also happen with dental and sinus procedures. Any inflammation involving the nerve can also cause this condition. Rarely can it result from damage to the nerve by a viral infection like herpes zoster.
Genetic
Some people with trigeminal neuralgia have close relatives suffering from the same disease; this suggests that it may be inherited.
