Trigeminal Neuralgia: When Facial Pain Feels Like an Electric Shock Insights by Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh

Have you ever heard of someone feeling a 1000-watt electric shock just by brushing their teeth or washing their face? This isn’t just any pain it could be Trigeminal Neuralgia, a severe neurological condition. Dr. Jaydev Panchwagh, who has been dedicated to this condition for over 25 years, explains how profoundly it can affect a person’s daily life.

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a neuropathic disorder that causes sudden, intense, electric-shock-like pain in the face. Simple actions like brushing your teeth, shaving, talking, or feeling a breeze on your face can suddenly provoke sharp, electric-like facial pain. The pain originates from the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation.

As the condition progresses, both the frequency and intensity of pain increase to the point where some patients even contemplate suicide due to its severity.

Misdiagnosis and Years of Suffering

According to Dr. Panchawagh, many patients suffer from this condition for 5 to 14 years before a proper diagnosis is made. They often undergo dental extractions or sinus surgeries, thinking it’s a dental or ENT issue. However, the real problem lies in the brain, where a blood vessel compresses the trigeminal nerve, causing the pain.

Key Symptoms and Pain Triggers

• Pain while brushing teeth
  
• Sudden pain when wiping the face with a towel
  
• Intense pain during shaving
  
• Pain triggered by cold wind or talking
  
• Electric-shock-like sensation starting from a trigger point
  

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms frequently, it may be Trigeminal Neuralgia. Immediate consultation with an experienced neurosurgeon is advised.

Treatment: Microvascular Decompression (MVD) Surgery

The most effective and long-term solution for Trigeminal Neuralgia is Microvascular Decompression (MVD) surgery. In this procedure, the compressing blood vessel is gently repositioned, and a Teflon cushion is placed between it and the nerve to avoid future contact.

Success Through Experience

• Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh and his team have performed over 2,900 MVD surgeries specifically for Trigeminal Neuralgia.
  
• Over the last 10 years, their surgical outcomes have improved significantly.
  
• Today, nearly 99% of patients recover permanently through this surgery under their care.
  

Side Effects of Medication

While medications are commonly prescribed, they often lead to side effects such as brain fog, drowsiness, reduced alertness, and slower cognitive functions. Patients often feel caught between the pain and the side effects of the drugs.

When Should You See a Neurosurgeon?

If someone is experiencing electric-shock-like pain in the face triggered by minor activities, they should immediately consult a neurosurgeon especially one with specific experience in treating Trigeminal Neuralgia. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment play a vital role in managing this condition effectively.

Patients From India and Beyond

Dr. Jaydev Panchwagh’s center in Pune has become a destination for patients from across India and even from abroad. His YouTube channel features around 90 educational videos about Trigeminal Neuralgia, helping patients and their families better understand the condition and available treatments.

Conclusion

Trigeminal Neuralgia is not just another headache or facial pain—it is a severe neurological disorder that can devastate quality of life. With timely diagnosis and expert MVD surgery, patients can achieve permanent relief.