Facial Pain - Trigeminal Neuralgia
 Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) or Tic Douloureux is a disorder of the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve that causes episodes of intense, stabbing, electric shock-like pain in the areas of the face where the branches of the nerve are distributed - lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, upper jaw and lower jaw. A less common form of the disorder called "Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia" may cause less intense, constant, dull burning or aching pain, sometimes with occasional electric shock-like stabs. Both forms of the disorder most often affect one side of the face, but some patients experience pain at different times on both sides. Onset of symptoms occurs most often after age 50, but cases are known in children and even infants.
Central Texas Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group
People with Trigeminal Neuralgia and other facial pain disorders often experience extreme pain and discomfort. As friends and family members know, even the simplest day-to-day events such as stress, brushing your teeth, washing your face, or even a puff wind may trigger intense pain for TN sufferers. In addition to the pain, this disorder may bring on a sense of aloneness and depression that the patient feels.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There is support and hope for these individuals and their families in the form of networking, education, and support. Another goal of this support group has been outreach to other dentists and doctors on how to correctly diagnose the often misunderstood neurological pain. For information videos of Dr. Foster on Dentistry and Trigeminal Neuralgia click on the following videos:
The problems with toothaches.
Did my dentist cause trigeminal neuralgia?
Dental care for the classic trigeminal neuralgia patient.
Classic trigeminal neuralgia patients who need immediate dental work.
Dental care for the trigeminal neuropathic pain patient.
A dentist role in diagnosis.
Input from a spouse of a TN patient.
The Daily Points of Light Award initiated by former President George Bush, is designed to honor individuals and organizations who have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities and in the nation. April 2003, Foster Family Dentistry received the Daily Points of Light Award Certificate for National Volunteers Week, along with congratulatory letters from President George W. Bush and former President George Bush.
If you would like to be put on our mailing list for support group meetings sent to you via email and standard mailed, contact Joan Foster, TNA Support Group Leader, 512.892-CARE and 512.782-8002 or email via this contact page. If you are in pain and need immediate help, do not hesitate to call Joan Foster 512.892-CARE or 512.892-1996.
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