Are there disorders commonly mistaken for Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Doctor's Answers 1

There is quite a variety of facial pain that affects people. Trigeminal Neuralgia itself is classic in the sense that there are certain types of symptoms you get which makes it a clear clinical diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Some patients find the symptoms may evolve, change, and develop atypical features, meaning features that are not so commonly seen in the classic form. These may have a cause similar to Trigeminal Neuralgia, but just a bit different. Dental problems or headache may also affect the face.

Similar Questions

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal Neuralgia is not a common disorder, but is also not as uncommon as you think. Trigeminal Neuralgia is a type of facial pain that affects half the face and has a very characteristic feature, like sharp and shooting pain. We’re not really sure what the incidence is in Singapore. There is no exact data, but around 0. 03% of the population has it. So, maybe several thousand patients have it per year.

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Answered By

Dr Nicolas Kon

Neurosurgeon

Why is Trigeminal Neuralgia called “suicide disease”?

It is due to the nature and severity of the pain. The pain experienced by the patients is sometimes severe and it drives them to suicide. That is how this nickname is derived.

Photo of Dr Nicolas Kon

Answered By

Dr Nicolas Kon

Neurosurgeon

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