Severe Facial Pain Won't Fade? It's Time to See a Trigeminal Neuralgia Specialist

Occasional facial pain is a common symptom of teeth grinding and migraines, but if the pain persists or affects your daily life, it’s important to identify the cause. Discover the signs of trigeminal neuralgia and when to seek professional help.

Facial pain is a common symptom of various medical conditions, including temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ syndrome), migraines, and sinus infections. Although it can be incredibly uncomfortable, most cases resolve on their own with rest and over-the-counter medication.

However, if the facial pain you experience is severe and doesn’t improve, or it affects your ability to speak or eat comfortably, you may want to be evaluated for trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder that about 150,000 US adults are diagnosed with each year.

At Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, board-certified pain management physician Marcie Merson, MD, specializes in treating trigeminal neuralgia.

This article explains its common symptoms, highlights when to see a professional, and provides an overview of how pain management can help. Once you’re finished reading, you’ll have a better idea of what’s causing your symptoms and whether an appointment with Dr. Merson makes sense.

Understanding trigeminal neuralgia and its symptoms

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic condition that causes sharp, burning pain on one or both sides of your face.

Two types of TN exist, with the main difference being the duration and pattern of the pain caused. Paroxysmal TN is characterized by sudden attacks of pain that last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, while TN with continuous pain causes persistent pain that may vary in intensity.

Regardless of the type you have, several symptoms can help you identify TN versus other issues that may trigger facial pain. These symptoms include:

Burning or sharp pain
Electric shock-like sensations
Sudden attacks of pain
Facial sensitivity or pain triggered by touch
Persistent facial pain

TN is most commonly caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve, often by a nearby blood vessel such as the superior cerebellar artery. Other less common causes of TN are facial trauma, multiple sclerosis, or idiopathic TN, which means there’s no obvious cause.

When to see a pain management specialist about trigeminal neuralgia

Contact Dr. Merson if you experience persistent facial pain, and it doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, such as ice or over-the-counter pain medication. This issue is especially real if you recently visited the dentist and they ruled out issues such as cavities or periodontal disease.

Because trigeminal neuralgia presents with symptoms similar to those of other conditions, pinpointing the source of your discomfort is important. After discussing your symptoms, completing a physical exam, and ordering diagnostic imaging, if necessary, Dr. Merson can make personalized treatment recommendations.

What to expect from professional trigeminal neuralgia treatment

Dr. Merson treats trigeminal neuralgia using an integrative, holistic approach. Depending on the type of TN you have and the severity of your symptoms, she may recommend:

Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT)
Medication management to support ongoing pain relief
Treatment for related conditions, such as TMJ syndrome
Lifestyle changes

Many people experience relief from noninvasive treatments, but if your symptoms don’t improve or you can’t tolerate medication, you may be a candidate for surgery. Several types of TN surgery are available, including microvascular decompression and peripheral neurectomy.

We can help manage your persistent facial pain

If persistent facial pain is making daily activities like eating or speaking uncomfortable, don’t wait to get in touch.