SOME OF MY COMMON TRIGGERS:

 

Talking

Chewing

Smiling

laughing

yawning

crying

touching face

washing face

applying makeup

brushing teeth

brushing hair

washing or drying hair

Stress

turning head side to side

bending over

lifting something heavy

reaching above my head

Looking up

Wind or AC hitting face

showering

Hot drinks

Pulling clothes on over my head

Vibrations

music/loud noises

Cold or sinus problems

Caring purse or bag

 

 

 

The triggers that I listed are just some of the things that I've recognized Can start a serious attack or flare up.  However, they do not always start an attack.  I can go months brushing my teeth without a problem and then one day a shock sends me to my knees, and I cannot open my mouth for hours.  

Wind is a huge trigger for me. a simple walk can turn into a nightmare for me if wind kicks up.  A stroll on the beach can be miserable as wind comes off the ocean.  I have learned to keep a scarf with me at all times.  

I've had some horrible experiences walking into Walmart. I would enter the foyer and be slapped in the face by their " air curtain" fan!  I've noticed in some of the newer stores that they are not as strong.  However, I enter with my face covered and my head down from now on. AC vents in the car and even ceiling fan can be an immediate trigger. 

Driving Can be a trigger but not daily.  My children all live a distance away from me that requires me to often have to travel through heavy interstate traffic.  The stress relates tension in my neck and constant turning head side to side usually means I arrive in pain.  It might take a few days to calm down and my children and grands know this.  

 

Going to the hair salon can mean a relaxing pampering day.  Or the shampoo bowl, position of my head, or blow drying can easily become a nightmare.  washing and drying my hair at home can also ruin the day's plans.  When to wash my hair is now something I have to plan in advance just in case it triggers attacks.  

I have had several attacks in the grocery store.  Typically, it happens when I am simply looking up at directional signs.  It is a zapping bolt of lightning so fast it takes my breath away.  I can't speak to say what is happening.  All that I can do is hang onto the buggy, close my eyes and try to take deep breathes.  If someone is with me, they will recognize it when I am not responding to them. Those attacks usually pass within 2-3 minutes but leave me feeling like I've just been burnt.  
There are many days when talking and chewing are unbearable.  My family learned I usually communicate more via text.  When its too painful to chew I rely on protein or milkshakes.  

 

I mentioned music and vibrations being a trigger for me. My very first attack happened in church.  I had no idea What was happening!  I grabbed my ear/jaw area as I caved to my seat.  I couldn't determine where it was coming from.  Was it my inner ear, an abscess tooth, a type of migraine??  I reached for my loved one's hand and let him know i needed to get out.  I had had it happen several more times in church or musical event. For me, i soon realized that it was the vibrations and pitch of music that sends electrifying shocks in my jaw.  My family has learned to recognize when I am in distress and need to leave immediately.  

Some of my triggers may be similar to yours or yours might be completely different from mine.  The more you begin to become aware of them you can be a little more prepared for them.  

I try to keep a scarf, ice packs, and lidocaine patches with me most days.  I have found the disposable ice packs in the first aide department that you can keep a box of in your car and throw one in your purse.

I will talk in upcoming post about other items that I have found somewhat helpful and those not to waste your money on.  I will also tell you that my pain management doctor was right when he told me that most trigeminal neuralgia patients find the most relief when combining both western and eastern medicine approaches.  I have always been willing to try Anything that will make pain tolerable.    

 

finding strength in awareness

Understanding triggers is key to managing trigeminal neuralgia. Join our community at A Pain in My Face to share experiences and support each other in navigating this journey.

common triggers for trigeminal neuralgia attacks