Trigeminal Neuralgia Association of Canada

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a debilitating disorder that results in episodes of intense, stabbing, electric-shock-like pain, usually on one side of the face. The pain is often triggered by simple things like touching the face lightly, brushing the teeth or applying make up. It is widely accepted that typical TN is caused by compression of the nerve when a blood vessel (either an artery or a vein) lies on the nerve pressing into it. Other causes of trigeminal neuralgia include Multiple Sclerosis, nerve damage from trauma and tumors, or demyelination of the nerve (wearing away of the protective covering of the nerve).

Trigeminal neuralgia is considered to be one of the most painful conditions you can experience. However, with the treatment options available today, people are not doomed to a life of pain. Doctors can help manage the pain for almost everyone with either medications or surgery.

The disease is also called Tic Douloureux. To learn more about Trigeminal Neuralgia click on "Trigeminal Neuralgia" in the left hand menu bar.

If you have facial pain, please contact your physician to obtain a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. The information in this web site can not replace medical advice. We hope to provide you with information that can help you understand the disease better.

Our Mission

People with this disorder can feel helpless and isolated. The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association of Canada has a mission to provide support and information to anyone with Trigeminal Neuralgia, their family, friends and other members in the community.

TNAC Profile

The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association of Canada (TNAC) is an organization dedicated to providing support and information to people with TN (Trigeminal Neuralgia) and other conditions causing facial pain. The TNAC can help by facilitating open discussion between people with TN. Support group meetings are held in cities across Canada. These meetings are open to TN patients, their friends and family. If there is no support group near you we would be pleased to help you start one or we can connect you with someone to provide you with one to one telephone or email support.

TNAC also produces a Quarterly newsletter with new information on TN and information of a general nature. This newsletter is mailed to our membership in February / May / August / November of each year. It is also posted in the members only section of this web site. Back issues are posted on the site as well. If you would like to receive the newsletter please join TNAC and we would be pleased to mail you a copy!

This is a non-profit organization registered with CRA and donations are gratefully accepted.

Contact Information

To become a member of TNAC please complete and mail the membership form found here.

All material contained on this site is provided for information only and is not to be considered medical advice or direction.