CONDITION
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic facial pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It causes sudden, severe, electric shock–like pain that may be triggered by everyday activities such as brushing your teeth, chewing, or talking. At Silver Pain Centre in Toronto, our pain specialists provide treatment plans to help patients across Ontario manage trigeminal neuralgia, reduce pain frequency, and improve quality of life.
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is considered one of the most painful neurological disorders. The condition causes episodes of stabbing, burning, or shock-like pain that usually affect one side of the face.
Pain often follows the nerve’s branches: eye, cheek, or jaw
Attacks may last seconds to minutes, sometimes occurring in clusters
Pain-free intervals may occur, but in severe cases pain can become constant
Everyday triggers: light touch, chewing, speaking, smiling, or exposure to cold wind
Why Does Trigeminal Neuralgia Occur?
The most common cause is vascular compression, where a blood vessel presses against the trigeminal nerve near the brainstem. Other causes include:
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Demyelination leading to abnormal nerve signaling
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Tumors or Structural Lesions: Rare, but possible contributors
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Post-Traumatic Nerve Injury: From facial or dental trauma
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Triggers: Simple activities like brushing teeth, eating, or even talking
At Silver Pain Centre, we carefully evaluate every patient to identify the root cause of facial pain and create a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
How We Diagnose & Treat at Silver Pain Centre
Our team uses a combination of advanced diagnostics and interventional pain management techniques:
Comprehensive Assessment: Medical history + neurological exam
Imaging (MRI): To rule out MS or tumors
Medications: Anti-seizure drugs (carbamazepine, gabapentin) as first-line therapy
Image-Guided Nerve Blocks: Targeting branches of the trigeminal nerve
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Long-lasting pain relief by treating nerve pathways
Botox Injections: For refractory facial pain (with coverage assessment)
When to Seek Help & How We Can Support You
If you experience sharp, recurring facial pain triggered by normal activities—or if your current medications are no longer working—it’s important to seek specialized care early.
At Silver Pain Centre, we provide comprehensive, OHIP-covered consultations designed to help you find lasting relief. Here’s how we make a difference:
Collaborative Care
Specialists in pain management, neurology, and interventional therapies.
Fast Access
Self-referrals reviewed within 72 hours.
OHIP-Covered Consultations
In-person or virtual across Ontario.
Non-Surgical Options
Injections, RFA, and medication management before surgery.
Interventional pain procedures performed to date
Years of specialized pain management experience
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Patient-reported satisfaction based on post-visit surveys
Image-guided injections performed monthly
Explore Our Full Range of Pain Management Solutions
Learn about our pain management treatments and explore the options available at Silver Pain Centre.
Book a Consultation for Trigeminal Neuralgia Relief
If you’re experiencing sudden, sharp, or shock-like facial pain, don’t wait. Our team of physicians and pain specialists at Silver Pain Centre in Toronto will review your self-referral within 72 hours and provide an OHIP-covered consultation.