Trigeminal Neuralgia is a medical condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. The word "Trigeminal" is spelled with three syllables, "tri-ge-min-al", and the "g" is pronounced like a soft "j" in "judge". "Neuralgia" is spelled with four syllables, "neu-ral-gi-a", and the stress is on the second syllable. The "g" in "neuralgia" is pronounced like a hard "g" in "go". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /traɪˈdʒɛmɪnəl nuːˈrældʒə/.
Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a chronic and debilitating neurological disorder characterized by sudden and severe facial pain. The term "trigeminal" refers to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for carrying sensory information from the face to the brain. The condition predominantly affects the fifth cranial nerve, resulting in intense, sharp, and shooting pain episodes that can last from a few seconds to several minutes.
The pain experienced in trigeminal neuralgia is often triggered by everyday activities such as talking, eating, or even lightly touching the face. The precise cause of this condition is not fully understood, but it is primarily attributed to the compression or irritation of the trigeminal nerve roots by nearby blood vessels. In some cases, it can also be a result of nerve damage caused by multiple sclerosis or other underlying health conditions.
This disorder typically affects individuals over the age of 50, and its symptoms can be excruciating and significantly impact a person's quality of life. It often leads to considerable difficulty in performing routine tasks and can result in social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression due to the fear of experiencing pain episodes.
The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is made through medical history evaluation, physical examination, and neurological tests. Treatment options include medication to manage pain, nerve blocks, and in severe cases, surgical procedures to relieve pressure on the nerve or to disrupt the pain signals.
In summary, trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe and sudden facial pain, typically arising from the trigeminal nerve. It can significantly impair the daily activities and overall well-being of those affected, necessitating timely diagnosis and treatment.
Facial neuralgia, tic douloureux.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "trigeminal" in "trigeminal neuralgia" is derived from the Latin word "trigeminus", which means "triple" or "having three parts". It refers to the trigeminal nerve, also known as the fifth cranial nerve.
The term "neuralgia" comes from the combination of the Greek words "neuron", meaning "nerve", and "algos", meaning "pain". Therefore, "neuralgia" translates to "nerve pain".
When combined, "trigeminal neuralgia" is a condition characterized by severe facial pain along one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve.