Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) or Tic Douloureux After an Accident
According to the International RadioSurgery Association‚ about 140‚000 people in the United States are afflicted with Trigeminal neuralgia (TN)‚ and approximately 14‚000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Pain related to TN 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‚ or other common actions. The condition usually affects older adults‚ though it is not limited to any age.
If you suffer from Trigeminal neuralgia as a result of a surgery or injury‚ you may be able to pursue compensation for certain damages. Medical malpractice and personal injury lawsuits involve dealing with large‚ powerful insurance companies and their lawyers. Don’t attempt to face them alone. You need an experienced San Diego catastrophic accident attorney by your side. Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers has been standing up to insurance companies on behalf of injured San Diego residents since 2000. Call our offices today for a free consultation at (888) 233-5020.
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN)‚ or tic douloureux‚ is sometimes described as the most excruciating pain known to humanity. The pain typically involves the lower face and jaw‚ though 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.
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‚ or head trauma)
- Surgery on the teeth‚ gums‚ or sinuses
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
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 (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‚ or sinus trauma. But‚ it most commonly occurs following destructive procedures used for the 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 lose their effectiveness over time. Unfortunately‚ treatment of idiopathic and traumatic TN is often ineffective and pain may not be controllable with medication. 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.
Contact a Lawyer in San Diego at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Legal Assistance
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‚ physical therapy‚ and other accident-related costs. Trigeminal neuralgia is a serious disorder‚ and many cases may be incurable. You can reach a San Diego serious injury lawyer at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today at (888) 233-5020.
