Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a type of nerve pain that affects your face. The trigeminal nerve carries sensation from your face to your brain. The pain can be so severe as to affect your ability to eat or drink. It is generally triggered by even mild stimulation such as brushing your teeth or washing your face. This type of nerve pain is generally very severe, sending shock-like pain to your face. Other symptoms associated with this condition include severe migraines, muscle spasms, tingling, burning and over sensitivity.

There is no single test that shows a person definitively has trigeminal neuralgia, which, as discussed below, can be a hurdle to getting disability benefits. MRIs can sometimes show a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve, and magnetic resonance angiography can sometimes show that the trigeminal nerve is compressed. In some people with trigeminal neuralgia, however, these tests may not show anything conclusive.

The condition is generally treated by your primary care provider, pain management provider or neurologist. Your health care provider may recommend pain medication, injections, or even surgery. Surgical options may include peripheral nerve blocks or ablation, craniotomy, or microvascular decompression. Surgical intervention is always the last resort. Doctors will typically attempt to treat the condition with an anticonvulsant and pain medication first. If all conservative treatment has been exhausted and you are still suffering from severe pain, your provider will then consider more invasive options such as surgery.

If you are suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, your pain is likely so severe that you are struggling to maintain employment. Severe pain poses a major barrier to employment. It can cause problems with not only physical limitations but non-exertional limitations as well, such as affecting your ability to focus and concentrate. If you are suffering from this condition and are unable to work, you should consider applying for social security disability benefits.

If you need helping applying for Social Security Disability or SSI, please contact me at joshben99@gmail.com. I have over 20 years experience with Social Security Disability cases.

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