What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a serious condition that must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible, as it can make the patient unable to perform daily activities and even vital functions.
Because of the sudden contractions that occur in the facial muscles in the same way during this severe and intense pain, it is also called a "painful tic" (tic douloureux).
Trigeminal neuralgia is a disease involving the "trigeminal nerve," which is the fifth of the 12 pairs of nerves that arise directly from the brain, and it progresses with very severe pain.
The trigeminal nerve has 3 branches.
The first of these transmits sensation from around the eye, the second from the upper jaw and cheek, and the third from the lower jaw to the brain.
In addition, the third branch is also responsible for the movements of some chewing muscles. In trigeminal neuralgia, the third and second branches are most commonly involved. It is also seen that more than one branch is affected at the same time.
