Health Desk ( Tv10 Punjab )
Sandeep Dhand
Nutritionist And Health Educator
Introduction : Trigeminal Neuralgia is one of the most painful nerve disorders known to humans. People who suffer from it often describe the pain as electric shocks, stabbing, or burning sensations on one side of the face. This pain can be so severe that even simple daily activities like talking, eating, brushing teeth, or smiling become difficult.
Although it is not a life-threatening disease, Trigeminal Neuralgia can seriously affect quality of life, mental health, and daily functioning. Many patients live in fear of the next pain attack.
This article explains Trigeminal Neuralgia in simple English, covering its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and the role of food and lifestyle in managing the condition.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic nerve disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. When this nerve becomes irritated or damaged, it sends wrong pain signals, even when there is no real injury.
The trigeminal nerve is responsible for feeling in:
Forehead
Eyes
Nose
Cheeks
Lips
Jaw
Teeth
Pain usually occurs on one side of the face, but in rare cases, it may affect both sides.
Understanding the Trigeminal Nerve
The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve and has three branches:
Ophthalmic branch – forehead and eyes
Maxillary branch – cheeks, nose, upper jaw
Mandibular branch – lower jaw, teeth, chin
Trigeminal Neuralgia most commonly affects the maxillary and mandibular branches.
How Does the Pain Feel?
The pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia is very specific and intense.
People describe it as:
Sudden electric shock ⚡
Sharp stabbing pain
Burning or shooting pain
Severe facial pain lasting seconds to minutes
The pain can occur:
Several times a day
In clusters over weeks or months
With pain-free periods in between
Common Symptoms
Sudden, severe facial pain
Pain triggered by touch
Pain while eating or drinking
Pain during brushing teeth
Pain when talking or smiling
Facial muscle spasms
Fear of daily activities due to pain
Between attacks, the person may feel normal, but anxiety remains.
What Triggers Trigeminal Neuralgia Pain?
Pain attacks can be triggered by simple actions such as:
Washing face
Shaving
Applying makeup
Cold wind or air
Chewing food
Drinking hot or cold liquids
Touching the face lightly
Sometimes, pain starts without any trigger.
Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Blood Vessel Pressure
The most common cause is a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve, damaging its protective covering (myelin). - Aging
As people age, nerve protection weakens, making irritation more likely. - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS damages nerve coverings and can cause trigeminal neuralgia, especially in younger patients. - Tumors (Rare)
A tumor pressing on the nerve can cause facial pain. - Facial Injury or Surgery
Past trauma or dental procedures may irritate the nerve.
Who Is at Risk?
People over 40 years
Women more than men
People with neurological disorders
Those with family history
People with high blood pressure
Is Trigeminal Neuralgia Dangerous?
Trigeminal Neuralgia is not fatal, but:
It can lead to depression
Anxiety and fear
Sleep problems
Social withdrawal
Poor nutrition due to fear of eating
Some patients may lose weight because eating becomes painful.
How Is Trigeminal Neuralgia Diagnosed?
There is no single blood test. Diagnosis is based on:
Medical History
Doctors listen carefully to pain description and triggers.
Neurological Examination
Face sensation and nerve function are checked.
MRI Scan
MRI helps rule out:
Tumors
Multiple sclerosis
Blood vessel compression
Treatment Options
- Medicines (First Line Treatment)
Anti-seizure medicines
Nerve-stabilizing drugs
Muscle relaxants
These medicines reduce nerve over-activity. - Pain Management Therapy
Stress reduction
Relaxation techniques
Cognitive therapy - Surgical Options (For Severe Cases)
Microvascular decompression
Nerve blocking procedures
Radiofrequency treatment
Surgery is considered when medicines fail.
Can Trigeminal Neuralgia Be Cured?
There is no permanent cure, but:
Symptoms can be controlled
Many patients live normal lives with treatment
Early diagnosis improves outcomes
Role of Diet in Trigeminal Neuralgia
Diet cannot cure the disease, but it can:
Support nerve health
Reduce inflammation
Improve overall wellbeing
Foods That Support Nerve Health
- Vitamin B12 Rich Foods
Milk and curd
Eggs
Fish
Fortified cereals
Vitamin B12 helps repair nerve damage. - Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Flaxseeds
Walnuts
Chia seeds
Fish oil
They reduce nerve inflammation. - Magnesium Rich Foods
Bananas
Spinach
Pumpkin seeds
Almonds
Magnesium helps calm nerve signals. - Antioxidant Foods
Fruits like berries
Green vegetables
Tomatoes
Carrots
These protect nerves from damage.
Foods to Avoid
Very hot or very cold foods
Hard or chewy foods
Excess caffeine
Alcohol
Highly spicy foods
These may trigger pain episodes.
Simple Sample Diet Plan
Morning
Warm water
Soft fruit or banana
Oats or porridge
Breakfast
Soft roti or bread
Curd or milk
Boiled egg (if non-veg)
Lunch
Rice or soft roti
Dal or soft vegetables
Curd
Evening
Herbal tea
Soft fruits
Dinner
Light meal
Soup
Steamed vegetables
Avoid chewing hard food when pain is active.
Lifestyle Tips
Avoid cold wind on face
Cover face in winter
Reduce stress
Sleep well
Follow medicine timing strictly
Avoid self-medication
Mental Health and Emotional Support
Living with chronic pain affects the mind. Patients may feel:
Hopeless
Angry
Isolated
Support from:
Family
Counseling
Support groups can greatly help recovery.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor if:
Facial pain is sudden and severe
Pain keeps returning
Normal painkillers don’t work
Pain affects eating or speaking
Early treatment prevents worsening.
Living With Trigeminal Neuralgia
Many people with trigeminal neuralgia:
Continue working
Maintain family life
Manage symptoms successfully
Proper treatment, diet, and emotional support make a big difference.
Conclusion : Trigeminal Neuralgia is a painful but manageable nerve disorder. Though it can be frightening, understanding the condition helps reduce fear. With correct medical care, healthy diet, and lifestyle changes, most patients can regain control over their lives.
Pain may come and go, but hope and treatment remain. Early diagnosis, patience, and support are the keys to living better with trigeminal neuralgia.