(3) Administer steroid therapy, as ordered. (May reduce inflammation and
edema and restore normal blood circulation to the nerve.)
(4)
Provide for pain relief with analgesics and local application of heat.
(5)
Facial massage may be prescribed to help maintain muscle tone.
(6)
Surgical intervention may be necessary.
(a) Decompression of facial nerve.
(b)
Surgical correction of eyelid deformities.
2-38. TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA
a. Definition. Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as Tic Douloureux, is a disorder
of the 5th cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve). It is characterized by sudden paroxysms of
burning pain along one or more of the branches of the trigeminal nerve. The pain
alternates with periods of complete comfort.
b. Signs and Symptoms.
(1) Sudden, severe pain appearing without warning. (Along one or more
branches of trigeminal nerve.)
(2) Numerous individual flashes of pain, ending abruptly and usually on one
side of the face only.
(3) Attacks provoked by pressure on a "trigger point" (the terminals of the
affected branches of the trigeminal nerve). Such triggers include:
(a) Shaving.
(b) Talking.
(c)
Yawning.
(d) Chewing gum.
(e) Cold wind.
c. Care Considerations.
(1) Instruct patient to avoid exposing affected cheek to sudden cold if this is
known to trigger the nerve. For example, avoid:
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