Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic facial pain condition involving the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. Patients often experience sudden episodes of intense, electric shock–like pain affecting the cheek, jaw, teeth, or around the eye.
While medications are often the first treatment option, some patients continue to experience significant discomfort or cannot tolerate medication side effects. In these cases, botulinum toxin injections may provide additional relief.
Targeted injections placed in specific facial muscles and pain-trigger zones can help reduce nerve irritation and muscle contractions associated with trigeminal neuralgia. By relaxing these muscles and modulating nerve signaling, treatment may decrease the frequency and intensity of pain episodes.
The procedure is performed in the office and typically takes only a few minutes. Most patients begin noticing improvement within several days to a few weeks, with effects lasting approximately 3–4 months.
Treatment plans are individualized depending on the distribution of facial pain and the branches of the trigeminal nerve involved.
Common Symptoms
Sudden electric shock–like facial pain
Pain triggered by speaking, chewing, or touching the face
Sharp pain in the cheek, jaw, teeth, or around the eye
Facial muscle tension associated with pain episodes
Treatment Areas
Botulinum toxin injections may be placed in areas corresponding to the affected branches of the trigeminal nerve, including:
Cheek and midface
•aw and lower face
Perioral region
Other pain trigger points depending on symptoms
Duration
Appointment time: ~15 minutes
Onset of improvement: several days to a few weeks
Duration of effect: ~3–4 months