 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Trigeminal neuralgia
Definition:
Trigeminal neuralgia is an extremely painful inflammation of the trigeminal nerve which causes severe lightening-like facial pain on the involved side. These painful attacks may occur after lightly touching different skin areas of the face, along the course of this cranial nerve. Specific medications can be very effective in reducing the rate of attacks, but surgical intervention may be necessary. Text Continues Below
Often, no cause can be found, although areas of brain inflammation or abnormal blood vessels (arteriovenous malformations) can be responsible and require more specific treatment. Alternative Names:
Tic douloureux
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
| 
.gif)
