Tic Douloureux

According to Gerhard H. Fromm, M.D., professor of neurology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Tic Douloureaux is a disease-free problem that not many people know about.   The pain that is experienced is intense. It comes and goes and it tends to get worse over time.  The source of the pain is the same nerve touch and pain in the teeth, tongue, gums, jaw and the entire face.  The nerve, called the trigeminal nerve.   In this condition, the person, in the grip of this problem, suffers excruciating agony when shaving, talking, or brushing his or her teeth. Even a frown, a kiss, a soft breeze, a hot or cold beverage can trigger pain.  Yet, in spite of its intensity, Tic Douloureaux can be managed medically.

Tic Douloureaux occurs with aging.  The trigeminal nerve emerges from the brain at the back of the skull.  This is where the source of the problem lies.  A blood vessel presses on the nerve, causing the pain.  Nobody know why it happens, although aging plays a major role.  As you grow older, your blood vessels hardens and loses flexibility.

About 11,000 Americans, 50 years and older, are stricken each year by Tic Douloureaux  Normally pain is experienced on one side of the face and lasts one to two minutes.  Then, suddenly the pain goes away and months may pass without another attack.  Even when there is no pain, the victim is gripped with fear that it can happen again until another attack is experienced, involving wider areas of the face.

People with Tic Douloureaux find it hard to live normal lives. The pain and fear can even adversely affect marital relations, since a kiss can trigger intense pain.  At the same time, while the pain continues, the teeth and gums begin to to deteriorate.  The problem is not fatal , but the intensity is such that you feel like you want to die.

How to overcome the pain:  An epilepsy drug called Dilantin was experimented on those suffering from Tic Douloureaux. It worked.  For the majority of people, the drug kills the pain, but the side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness or nausea. This happens rarely, but when it does, you should let your doctor know about it.  In the event, the drug does not work, there are surgical techniques that are available.

A surgery known as neuronectomy may be the last resort  — the cutting of the trigeminal nerve’s pain fibers, causing permanent loss of sensation in the face and mouth.