Drugs causing Trigeminal Neuropathy or Neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuropathy or Neuralgia is a condition which is caused when the Trigeminal Nerve is affected leading to loss of functions, tingling sensation, burning sensation and extreme intermittent, shooting pain in the face. Trigeminal nerve sends impulses of touch, pain, pressure and temperature to the brain from the structures surrounding the oral cavity and the eyes and forehead.

There are many Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia such as an injury or infection spreading to nerve which can lead to Trigeminal Neuropathy or Neuralgia, here we are going to list out the Drugs which cause Trigeminal Neuropathy on use in patients.

Drugs causing Trigeminal Neuropathy or Neuralgia:

• Acetazolamide
• Articaine
• Labetolol
• Protease inhibitors
• Vincristine

There are many other reasons which cause Trigeminal Neuropathy but when drugs are the causative factor, proper diagnosis is necessary and the future treatment plan should be determined by consulting the concerned Physician to replace the drugs leading to Trigeminal Neuropathy.

Keep in mind about the Drugs leading to Trigeminal Neuropathy and hope it is helpful in diagnosing in your future cases. The most common cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia is the pressing of the nerve near the brain stem by a blood vessel. With every heart beat the blood vessel rubs against the nerve over time resulting in wearing off of the insulating membrane of the nerve. This leads to nerve irritation and in turn results in Neuropathy of the concerned nerve.

Most common symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia or Neuropathy are – sudden and severe stabbing or shock-like pain (one of the most painful conditions seen in medicine) on the face, around lips, eyes, nose, scalp and forehead which lasts for several seconds mostly on one side of the face. These symptoms can be seen when any contact is made with the skin, like brushing teeth, washing your face, rubbing your face, shaving and in severe cases even wind can lead to inducing of pain.

With the severity of pain and the triggering factors being daily regular chores, it becomes very difficult for the patient to manage everyday tasks and it is seen that many patients show suicidal tendencies, believing that only death can relieve them of the severe pain and suffering. Proper diagnosis and treatment planning is necessary along with counselling of the patient.