Trigeminal Neuralgia Is A Serious Disorder, And Many Cases May Be Incurable. Get The Compensation To Cover Your Steep Medical Costs.
Trigeminal neuralgia, or tic douloureux, is sometimes described as the most excruciating pain known to humanity. The pain typically involves the lower face and jaw, although sometimes it affects the area around the nose and above the eye. Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder at the side of the head that causes a stabbing or electric-shock-like pain in parts of the face. Although it is not fatal, it is extremely painful.
According to the International RadioSurgery Assocation's website, "Approximately 14,000 people develop TN each year in the United States; about 140,000 people have the condition." Pain is usually on one side of the face and may last a few seconds or minutes, but can become constant. It can be triggered by touch, sounds, or everyday activities like brushing teeth, chewing, drinking, lightly touching the face, etc.
The condition usually affects older adults, though it is not limited to any age.
Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Common causes of the disorder include:
A stroke that affects the lower part of the brain
A tumor that pushes on the nerve
Contact between a normal artery or vein and the trigeminal nerve
Injury to the nerve, such as from a car accident, facial trauma, head trauma
Surgery on the teeth, gums, or sinuses
Multiple sclerosis
Types of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN), also known as classical trigeminal neuralgia, is typically caused by a blood vessel compressing the trigeminal nerve as it exits from the brainstem. Most cases of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia were caused by blood vessel compression at the trigeminal nerve root inside the head (neurovascular compression). This disorder is characterized by the loss of the protective nerve, the myelin sheath. Without this, the nerve cells fire erratically and cause severe pain. Typically, the cause is unknown.
Traumatic trigeminal neuralgia (TTN) may develop following cranio-facial trauma, such as from a car accident, dental trauma, sinus trauma, but most commonly following destructive procedures used for treatment of TN. Pain conditions are caused by irreparable damage to the trigeminal nerve and secondary hyperactivity of the trigeminal nerve nucleus.
Medical Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia
There are several effective ways to alleviate the pain, including a variety of medications. However, these medications have side effects and may even lost their efficacy over time. Unfortunately, treatment of idiopathic and traumatic TN is often ineffective and pain may not be controlled with medications. There are some reports of pain relief associated with the use of trigeminal nerve stimulation procedures. Surgery may also be recommended to help control pain.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia because of a car accident or other traumatic event that was not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, therapy, and other accident-related costs. Trigeminal neuralgia is a serious disorder, and many cases may be incurable. The San Diego brain injury attorneys at the Jurewitz Law Group will make sure you get the compensation you need. Call our personal injury law office at 888-233-5020.
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