Trigeminal Neuralgia: When Facial Pain Becomes Unbearable and What Can Be Done

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. The hallmark of this condition is sudden, severe, and electric shock-like facial pain, often triggered by simple activities like touching the face, chewing, or even a light breeze. This condition is often referred to as “the suicide disease” due to the extreme level of pain it can cause, and it can be highly debilitating.

Initial treatment for trigeminal neuralgia typically involves medication, but for many patients, the drugs become less effective over time or cause severe side effects. Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery is a highly effective, long-term solution. This procedure involves a neurosurgeon making a small incision behind the ear and gently moving any blood vessels that are compressing the trigeminal nerve. Dr. Tolga Dündar is an experienced surgeon in this delicate procedure, which can provide immediate and lasting relief from the excruciating pain.