Imagine flinching every time you brush your teeth. Or feeling a sharp, stabbing pain on your cheek just because a breeze passed your face. Sounds unbelievable, right?
But that’s the everyday reality for people living with Trigeminal Neuralgia—a rare yet severe chronic pain condition that can affect how you live, move, eat, and even smile.
At Abic Healthcare Services in Owings Mills, we believe that understanding is the first step to healing. Let’s walk you through what trigeminal neuralgia is, what causes it, and the real ways to get relief.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, one of the most important nerves in your head. This nerve is responsible for carrying sensation from your face to your brain.
People with TN experience sudden, intense, electric shock-like facial pain—often on just one side of the face.
The pain can be so severe that even simple things like washing your face, talking, eating, or smiling can trigger an attack.
What Does It Feel Like?
Most people describe it as:
- Searing, stabbing, or shooting pain
- Like an electric shock
- Usually lasting a few seconds to two minutes
- Pain that may come and go in episodes that last for weeks, months, or longer
Some episodes happen dozens of times a day. Others may fade for a while and then come back unexpectedly.
Where Does It Hurt?
Pain usually affects one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve, which has three parts:
- Ophthalmic (V1): Forehead, scalp, and upper eyelid
- Maxillary (V2): Cheek, upper lip, upper teeth
- Mandibular (V3): Jaw, lower teeth, lower lip
What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?
In many cases, TN is caused by:
- A blood vessel pressing on the nerve near the brainstem (called neurovascular compression)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) or other nerve-damaging diseases
- Tumors (though rare)
- Nerve injury from surgery or trauma
- Or sometimes, no clear cause at all (idiopathic TN)
Over time, repeated nerve irritation causes the nerve to misfire—sending pain signals even when there’s no real cause.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is mostly based on your pain history and symptoms. There’s no single test that confirms TN.
Your doctor may also order:
- MRI scans to rule out tumors or MS
- Neurological exams to assess nerve function
A key clue: Trigeminal neuralgia pain is always one-sided, sudden, and triggered by gentle stimuli like wind, shaving, or brushing teeth.
What Treatments Can Help?
Thankfully, Trigeminal Neuralgia is treatable—and in many cases, manageable with a combination of strategies.
1. Medications
Most patients start with anti-seizure medications that calm nerve activity:
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol) – first-line treatment
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) – similar with fewer side effects
- Gabapentin, Baclofen, Lamotrigine – alternatives for long-term care
These meds don’t cure TN, but they can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of pain episodes.
2. Surgical Options
When meds stop working or cause too many side effects, your doctor may suggest surgery:
- Microvascular Decompression (MVD): Lifts the blood vessel off the nerve
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: Focused radiation that damages the pain fibers
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses heat to reduce nerve sensitivity
- Balloon Compression or Glycerol Injection: Numbs part of the nerve
Each has pros and cons depending on your health, age, and condition severity.
3. Complementary Support
- Physical therapy (for neck and facial tension)
- Counseling (chronic pain can lead to anxiety or depression)
- Support groups (you are not alone—organizations like the Facial Pain Association connect patients nationwide)
How Abic Healthcare Services Can Support You
If you or a loved one is living with Trigeminal Neuralgia, you need more than just treatment—you need day-to-day support. That’s where we come in.
At Abic Healthcare Services in Owings Mills, we provide:
✅ Home nursing to help with medication management
✅ Care coordination with your neurologist or pain specialist
✅ Transportation assistance for medical appointments
✅ Physical and occupational therapy referrals
✅ Emotional support for caregivers and patients
✅ Patient education to help you recognize and respond to pain triggers
We work with individuals across Baltimore County to ensure they feel seen, supported, and safe in their own homes.
Living With Trigeminal Neuralgia: Tips for Everyday Life
- Track your triggers: Note what activities spark attacks (e.g., cold wind, stress, brushing teeth).
- Eat soft foods: Chewing can be painful—use warm, smooth foods during flare-ups.
- Use lukewarm water: Extreme temperatures on the face can trigger pain.
- Practice mindfulness or gentle breathing: Helps lower stress, which often worsens symptoms.
- Don’t isolate: Pain can be lonely—stay connected to loved ones and support communities.
💬 Final Thoughts
Trigeminal Neuralgia may be rare, but if you’re experiencing it—you’re not alone. There are options. There is support. And there is life after diagnosis.
At Abic Healthcare Services, we meet people where they are—with compassion, expertise, and customized in-home care.
Let’s Help You Find Relief
Ready to speak with a nurse or care coordinator?
📍 Abic Healthcare Services – Owings Mills, Baltimore 11238 Reistertown Rd Lower Level, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
📞 443-790-4021
📩 abichealthcare@gmail.com
🧡 Specialized care. Right at home.
📚 References
- Mayo Clinic. Trigeminal Neuralgia
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS TN Fact Sheet
- Facial Pain Association. fpa-support.org
