On this page I share content about painful trigeminal neuropathy and life with chronic neuropathic pain, but I don't forget about classical trigeminal neuralgia. Here's another video explaining this condition, with a translation below.
What trigeminal neuralgia feels like
"Imagine your face being struck by something like a lightning bolt made of knives. Without warning, without logic. Sudden, pure, unimaginable pain. That is what trigeminal neuralgia feels like — also called 'the suicide disease.' And unfortunately, that name didn't come from nowhere.
This condition affects the trigeminal nerve, an extremely important facial nerve responsible for chewing, blinking, and sensation in the cheeks, among other things. But when it starts malfunctioning, it can feel as though someone is shocking your face with an exceptionally sadistic stun gun.
Everyday activities like brushing your teeth, speaking, or even a gust of wind on your skin can trigger instant maximum-intensity pain. And this isn't a simple 'ouch, my head hurts.' It's more like someone just drove an ice pick made of electricity into your jaw.
The pain can appear in sudden, exceptionally violent attacks, or persist for longer periods like a guest who visits and absolutely refuses to leave.
What makes it worse is that trigeminal neuralgia isn't always visible on imaging studies. Because of this, some patients are misdiagnosed, dismissed, or told they're exaggerating.
Doctors still aren't 100% certain why this condition occurs. The cause may be a blood vessel compressing the nerve, or other disturbances in nervous system function.
Medications can help alleviate symptoms, but in some cases surgery is necessary to calm this storm of pain.
Trigeminal neuralgia — one of the most painful conditions known to medicine."
Natalia — since 2014 I've been living with trigeminal nerve pain. I write in plain language, based on reliable sources and personal experience. Read my story →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic facial pain condition. It manifests as sudden, severe, usually one-sided pain attacks — often described as an electric shock. A single attack typically lasts from a few seconds to about two minutes.
What is the difference between neuralgia and neuropathy?
In simple terms: neuralgia primarily involves paroxysmal pain along a nerve, usually without loss of sensation. Neuropathy involves nerve damage that more often causes constant pain along with numbness and sensory loss.
Do regular painkillers help with neuropathic pain?
Usually not. Neuropathic pain responds poorly to paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs. Instead, medications that act on nerves are used, such as anticonvulsants like carbamazepine.
Which doctor should I see for facial pain?
First, see a neurologist. If surgery is being considered, a neurosurgeon. If a dental cause is suspected, it is also worth ruling it out with a dentist.
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