What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), also known as tic douloureux, is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal or fifth cranial nerve, one of the most widely distributed nerves in the head. It is a form of neuropathic pain (pain associated with nerve injury or nerve lesion), and categorized in two types: primary (idiopathic) and secondary.

The typical or “classic” form of the disorder called TN1 causes extreme, sporadic, sudden burning or shock-like facial pain that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to as long as two minutes per episode. These attacks can occur in quick succession, in volleys lasting as long as 2 h. The “atypical” form of the disorder called TN2 is characterized by constant aching, burning, stabbing pain of somewhat lower intensity than Type 1, as in the Trigeminal Neuralgia Market

Both forms of pain may occur in the same person, sometimes at the same time. The intensity of pain can be physically and mentally incapacitating.

TN occurs most often in people over age 50, although it can occur at any age, including infancy. The possibility of TN being caused by multiple sclerosis increases when it occurs in young adults. The incidence of new cases is approximately 12 per 100,000 people per year; the disorder is more common in women than in men.

TN is associated with a variety of conditions. TN can be caused by a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brain stem; this compression causes the wearing away or damage to the protective coating around the nerve (the myelin sheath). TN symptoms can also occur in people with multiple sclerosis, a disease that causes deterioration of the trigeminal nerve’s myelin sheath.

In rare cases, symptoms of TN may be caused by nerve compression from a tumor, or a tangle of arteries and veins called an arteriovenous malformation. Injury to the trigeminal nerve (perhaps the result of sinus surgery, oral surgery, stroke, or facial trauma) may also produce neuropathic facial pain.

Source:- Trigeminal Neuralgia Market Report