Trigeminal Neuralgia awareness marked on International Day

October 7 marks the International Trigeminal Neuralgia Day, raising awareness for a rare neurological disorder characterized by intense facial pain. The condition occurs when the trigeminal nerve—responsible for facial sensation and mastication—is irritated or damaged, causing sudden, electric-shock-like sensations in the forehead, cheeks, jaw, or mouth.

In Spain, the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) reports that approximately 35,000 people are affected, with roughly 2,000 new cases diagnosed annually. A significant challenge is the diagnostic process, as more than 40% of patients initially receive an incorrect diagnosis. The pain can be triggered by routine activities such as talking, chewing, smiling, or washing the face.

Trigeminal neuralgia is more common in women than men and typically appears in individuals between the ages of 50 and 55. Medical management includes imaging to detect underlying causes like tumors or vascular malformations, as well as treatments ranging from anticonvulsant medications to surgical procedures such as microvascular decompression or radiofrequency thermocoagulation.