According to a 2017 study, approximately 4% of people with MS experience trigeminal neuralgia.
This article discusses trigeminal neuralgia with MS, its symptoms, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
It also lists other conditions that sometimes lead to similar neuralgia-like facial pain.
Illustration by Alexandra Gordon for Verywell Health
Both forms may occur in the same person, sometimes at the same time.
The trigeminal nerve provides sensation to the face and part of the ear and forehead.
Therefore, the pain in trigeminal neuralgia can occur in any region of the face.
However, it is usually distributed in one of the main branches of the trigeminal nerve.
Each episode of trigeminal neuralgia usually lasts a couple of weeks.
The trigeminal nerve is also responsible for most facial sensation.
A person can develop trigeminal neuralgia without having multiple sclerosis.
When trigeminal neuralgia is brought on by MS, it’s referred to assecondary trigeminal neuralgia.
MS and other neurological disorders account for about 15% of cases due to this secondary form.
In some cases, trigeminal neuralgia can be because of dental procedures or facial trauma, too.
Researchers are working to learn if the similar pain due to shingles infection is related.
How Is Trigeminal Neuralgia Diagnosed?
Other disorders that cause facial pain include:
Trigeminal neuralgia is also often mistaken for dental pain.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a progressive disorder that often becomes resistant to medication over time.
Summary
Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that often affects people living with multiple sclerosis.
Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam.
Treatment can include medications (including Botox injections) and surgical procedures.
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