Agonising, Shooting Pain – Trigeminal Neuralgia

When Mr X arrived for a specialist opinion in Oral Medicine he was barely able to speak for fear of setting off an agonising pain. This was like a searing electric shock that always came in the same place and in the same way. When the pain first started it was thought to be from a tooth, but care provided by the dentist did not improve the situation. From the history and examination the Oral Medicine specialist made a diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Treatment was initiated that improved control of the pain over the next few days. Some investigations were arranged. Mr X went on to have an opinion from a specialist Neurosurgeon. It was agreed not to undertake an operation, but to continue with the medicines which were working well.

To find out more about this condition read the Patient Information Leaflet (PiL) prepared by the Society on Trigeminal Neuralgia.