Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Although the origin of Trigeminal Neuralgia is not known, doctors believe it is caused by the degeneration or irritation of the trigeminal nerve.
But it is not known what causes the nerve damage.
Some believe it could be an abnormal formed artery which puts pressure on the nerve. Direct injury of the 5th of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves can also be a reason.
Other scientists believe it could be the herpes virus (HHV6) as the cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia.
As mentioned earlier, the Trigeminal Nerve brances into 3 subsets, which are responsible for chewing, producing saliva and tears, and sending facial sensations to the brain.
V1 - Opthalamic - 1st branch supplies the eye, forehead and nose.
V2 - Maxillary - 2nd branch supplies the upper teeth, gum and lip, the cheek, lower eyelid
and the side of the nose.
V3 - Mandibular - 3rd branch supplies the area of the lower teeth, gum, lower lip and jaw.
When Trigeminal Neuralgia affects one of the branches, doctors can tell which branch is affected.
Trigeminal Neuralgia of the 1st branch is pain around the eyes and over the forhead.
Trigeminal Neuralgia of the 2nd branch is pain in the upper lip, nose and cheek.
Trigeminal Neuralgia of the 3rd branch is pain on the side of the tongue and lower lip.
Summary of the possible causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia -
-Herpes Simples Virus HHv6 - an organism responsible for Trigeminal Neuralgia.
-Multiple Sclerosis - Approximately 5 - 10% of patients with MS suffer from Trigeminal Neuralgia.
-Tumour :extremely rare, but in instances where new growth occurs it can exert more and more pressure on the Trigeminal Nerve.
-Pressure :caused by an abnormal artery growth which puts pressure in areas of the Trigeminal Nerve.
-Physical injury or irritation :a direct injury blow to the head area or from dental procedures.
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Tags: Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia
April 29th, 2007 at 4:27 am
Causes of trigeminal neuralgia is not known exactly, and although there are no actual cures for it, there is an eBook that shows you how to cope and overcome trigeminal neuralgia.
treatment for trigeminal neuralgia