Common Triggers of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is often triggered by specific "trigger points" on the face. Simple actions such as touching the skin, exposure to cold wind, washing the face, brushing teeth, or speaking can provoke sudden, severe pain. It's important to distinguish between the underlying causes and the triggers of trigeminal neuralgia. Understanding the root cause can help guide prevention strategies, which is why some patients may become reluctant to perform daily routines like brushing their teeth or washing their face.

Primary Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia

1. Vascular Compression – The Most Common Cause

Approximately 90% of trigeminal neuralgia cases are attributed to vascular compression. This occurs when a blood vessel presses on the trigeminal nerve near the brainstem, leading to abnormal nerve function and intense pain signals.

2. Tumors – A Less Common but Serious Cause

Between 1% and 3% of cases may be linked to pressure from benign or malignant tumors affecting the trigeminal nerve. These growths can compress the nerve and disrupt normal sensory transmission, resulting in neuralgic pain.

3. Other Contributing Conditions

There are also secondary causes of trigeminal neuralgia, including:

• Herpes zoster infection (shingles) affecting the facial nerve
• Miscellaneous neurological or systemic disorders, such as diabetes or other nerve-related conditions

In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown, but these conditions are known to increase the risk of developing trigeminal neuralgia.