Trigeminal Neuralgia
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Introduction
Trigeminal Neuralgia, also known as Tic Douloureux, is a painful medical disorder, in which a person suffers repeated episodes of severe facial pain. The pain is intense, and can be triggered by touching specific skin areas, also known as trigger points, with cold air. Other activities such as swallowing, speaking or eating, can precipitate the pain. Because eating precipitates attacks, some patients with trigeminal neuralgia will lose considerable weight. The pain is sometimes so severe that patients have been known to commit suicide when it cannot be relieved.
Written by Damon E. Smith, M.D. – Radiation Oncologist