Can Stress Cause Trigeminal Neuralgia to Flare?
Undoubtedly, stress can cause all sorts of problems in our lives. Can stress cause trigeminal neuralgia to flare? From making us feel overwhelmed and exhausted to causing physical health issues, stress can be a real nuisance. I’m Dr. Amy, a Doctor of Audiology expert in hearing health, hearing loss, and ear-related conditions. For people with trigeminal neuralgia, stress can sometimes trigger an attack. This article will explore the link between stress and trigeminal neuralgia flare-ups and provide some tips on managing stress levels.
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
or tic douloureux, is a painful condition that affects the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the face and mouth. For people with trigeminal neuralgia, simple activities like brushing their teeth or eating can trigger severe, sharp pain to the side of the face over the affected area. Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms can include facial numbness and intense or stabbing pain radiating from the cheek, upper jaw, lower jaw, gums, or lips. I’ve seen some patients who describe the pain as so severe that it leads to vomiting or fainting. There are several branches of the trigeminal nerve, and the respective branch will affect that side of your face.
The pathophysiology of this condition disrupts the nerve signals sent to the brain. We don’t always know the exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia. However, a disorder, such as multiple sclerosis, affects the myelin sheath, leading to microvascular decompression, which causes pain. Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms can require medication to manage, depending on the intensity of the pain. This chronic pain condition will also show a pain-free period between episodes.
In severe cases, surgical procedures can offer pain relief. Surgical treatments also come with risks, but this procedure provides some relief for those with severe pain.
How Common Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is a relatively rare condition in the United States. It is estimated to affect between 0.02% and 0.05% of the population. However, the condition is more common in women than men, and it typically affects people over 50.
If you suspect you have trigeminal neuralgia, you must see your doctor. Trigeminal neuralgia can be a debilitating condition, and getting the treatment you need to reduce the severity of your symptoms is essential.
Who Diagnoses Trigeminal Neuralgia?
An accurate diagnosis is essential for the most appropriate treatment options and requires a physical exam. A neurologist or ENT usually diagnoses trigeminal neuralgia. In some cases, a brain MRI may be ordered to rule out other possible causes of the pain. There is no cure for trigeminal neuralgia, but treatment options can help to manage the pain. Trigeminal neuralgia patients can live a normal life with the proper treatment.
What is the Link Between Stress and Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Everyone experiences and reacts to stress differently, so it’s hard to answer this, generally speaking. However, for some people with trigeminal neuralgia, psychological stress can be a trigger for an attack. This is often because stress can lead to muscle tension in the face, which can put pressure on the trigeminal nerve and trigger an attack.
How Can I Manage My Stress Levels?
There are several different ways that you can manage stress.
Can stress cause trigeminal neuralgia? If you suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, you know how debilitating the pain can be. The good news is that treatments can help lessen the intensity and frequency of attacks. However, managing stress levels is also essential to help prevent or reduce the severity of trigeminal neuralgia flare-ups.
So, what is the link between stress and trigeminal neuralgia? When we experience stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is designed to help us cope with stressful situations by boosting our energy. However, in people with trigeminal neuralgia, cortisol can trigger an attack.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment
There are several different treatment options available for trigeminal neuralgia. These include medication, surgery, and complementary therapies. The type of treatment that is right for you will depend on the severity of your condition and your individual preferences.
Medication: Several different prescription medications can be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. These include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and pain medication. Your doctor will work with you to find the correct medicine for you. Some anti-seizure medications may also be effective if spasms are involved.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended as a treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia. Several different surgical procedures can be used, and your doctor will discuss the best option for you depending on the causes of trigeminal neuralgia in your specific situation.
Complementary therapies: Several different complementary therapies can be used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. These include acupuncture, massage, and relaxation techniques. These techniques can help manage the underlying cause or trigger in some cases and work by calming the nervous system.
How Can I Prevent Trigeminal Neuralgia Attacks?
There is no surefire way to prevent trigeminal neuralgia attacks. However, there are several things that you can do to help reduce your risk. These include managing stress, avoiding triggers, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
If you suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, you know how important it is to find a treatment that works for you. Managing stress levels is integral to preventing or reducing the severity of attacks. If you need ideas to reduce your stress levels, then consider trying some of the following techniques:
Yoga: Yoga can help to relax the mind and body and is a great way to reduce stress. This can help to reduce common trigeminal neuralgia triggers.
Meditation: Meditation can help to focus the mind and allow you to find inner peace. Reduce high anxiety with management strategies to cope with attacks of pain. Read more reasons to meditate.
Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. Regular moderate exercise can help manage symptoms.
Getting enough sleep: Sleep is essential for overall health and can help to reduce stress levels.
Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and good nutrition can help reduce stress levels. Also, avoid certain foods, like hot soup, which can trigger an episode.
Can stress cause trigeminal neuralgia? Stress can play a role in trigeminal neuralgia attacks, so consider trying some stress-reducing techniques. However, if you are already suffering from an attack, seeking medical help is essential. Trigeminal neuralgia is a serious condition, and it is crucial to get the treatment you need to reduce the severity of your symptoms.
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