16.07.2025 10:43
Trigeminal neuralgia, commonly referred to as the 'disease that drives you crazy' or 'suicide disease,' manifests as sudden and severe pain on one side of the face. This condition is typically seen in individuals over the age of 50, and it occurs more frequently in women.
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Professor Dr. Abuzer Güngör, a specialist in Neurosurgery, made statements about trigeminal neuralgia.
Defining trigeminal neuralgia, Prof. Dr. Güngör stated, "If a sudden pain spreads throughout your head like an electric shock when you lightly touch your face or even just while eating, this hard-to-describe pain is called trigeminal neuralgia. There are some diseases that may not be easily visible in tests but their effects can halt life. Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological disease characterized by sudden and severe pain on one side of the face, commonly referred to as the 'disease that drives you crazy' or 'suicide disease.' It occurs due to the involvement of the trigeminal nerve, which is the fifth cranial nerve. This nerve carries sensory information from the face to the brain. The pain is usually unilateral, starts suddenly, and is sharp, short-lived, but recurrent," he explained.
"MOST COMMON CAUSE: A VESSEL PRESSING ON THE NERVE"
Prof. Dr. Güngör listed who may experience the disease as follows: "It is generally seen in individuals over 50 years old. It is more common in women. The most common cause is a vessel pressing on the nerve. In rare cases, tumors or neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis may also be factors."
"ATTACKS SIMILAR TO ELECTRIC SHOCKS MAY OCCUR"
Prof. Dr. Güngör stated, "Sharp pain is observed in the cheek, jaw, lips, and around the eyes. Attacks similar to electric shocks may occur. Simple stimuli such as brushing teeth, talking, or chewing can trigger the pain. It is often unilateral," he expressed.
"OFTEN CONFUSED WITH TOOTHACHE"
Describing the diagnosis process, Prof. Dr. Güngör said, "Trigeminal neuralgia is often confused with toothache. Many patients have mistakenly had teeth extracted. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is of great importance. Diagnosis begins with clinical history. The type, duration, and triggers of the pain are listened to. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to investigate the vessel or mass pressing on the nerve," he stated.
TREATMENT METHODS
Explaining the treatment methods, Güngör said, "Medication therapy can be applied. Pain control can be achieved with antiepileptic drugs. However, over time, it may lose its effectiveness or side effects may become intolerable. Interventional treatments (radiofrequency) may be preferred. A thin needle is used to reach the nerve, and the pain-conducting fibers are disabled using a special heat technique. This is particularly effective for patients who are not suitable for surgery. Surgical treatment (Microvascular Decompression) is among the options. It is the gold standard treatment method. The vessel pressing on the nerve is separated under a microscope. This procedure is usually performed via the retrosigmoid approach. Thanks to current knowledge, advanced imaging techniques, and microscopic surgical experience, success rates in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia are quite high. With the right patient selection, correct surgical technique, and personalized planning, very high success rates can be achieved. However, providing realistic information to the patient is also a responsibility of the physician," he explained.
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