Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. If you have trigeminal neuralgia, even mild stimulation of your face — such as from brushing your teeth or putting on makeup — may trigger a jolt of excruciating pain.
You may initially experience short, mild attacks. But trigeminal neuralgia can progress and cause longer, more-frequent bouts of searing pain. Trigeminal neuralgia affects women more often than men, and it’s more likely to occur in people who are older than 50.
Because of the variety of treatment options available, having trigeminal neuralgia doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doomed to a life of pain. Doctors usually can effectively manage trigeminal neuralgia with medications, injections or surgery.
Diagnosed last week after 2 weeks of stabbing pain all around the left side of my head, in my ear, skin hard to touch. My doc on vacation, so I went to a local walk in. Prescribed Gabapentin..300 that day,600mg the next 2 days, then 900.mg. I stopped it today because of thigh pain that made me miserable. Muscle pain is listed as an adverse reaction. 900mg left me with difficulties maintaining my balance. There was some pain relief.