Patient Stories
When Doctors Said It Was Anxiety, But It Was Actually Trigeminal Neuralgia
June 14, 2026
Introduction
Being told that your pain is caused by anxiety, stress, or depression can be incredibly frustrating when you know something is physically wrong.
Unfortunately, this is an experience many people with trigeminal neuralgia face before receiving the correct diagnosis.
Because trigeminal neuralgia is relatively uncommon and its symptoms can vary from person to person, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed with dental problems, sinus conditions, migraines, or even mental health disorders.
My mother's journey included one such experience.
Before she was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, she was told that depression and anxiety might be responsible for her symptoms.
The reality was very different.
Living With Pain That Nobody Could Explain
For nearly two years, my mother experienced severe pain that seemed to have no clear cause.
The pain felt like an electric current behind her ear.
She visited multiple healthcare professionals searching for answers.
Each appointment brought hope that someone would finally identify the source of her pain.
Instead, the uncertainty continued.
Without a diagnosis, every day became a struggle not only with pain but also with confusion.
The Neurology Appointment That Changed Everything
One consultation remains particularly memorable.
After discussing her symptoms, a neurologist suggested that depression and anxiety might be contributing to her condition.
Mental health conditions can absolutely cause physical symptoms and should always be taken seriously.
However, my mother felt strongly that her pain was not being fully understood.
She knew what she was experiencing was real.
She remembers responding:
"If it is depression, I accept it. But please give me something for this unbearable pain."
For our family, this moment highlighted how difficult it can be when a patient's experience does not fit neatly into a familiar diagnosis.
Why Trigeminal Neuralgia Is Often Misdiagnosed
Trigeminal neuralgia is sometimes called "the invisible pain."
Unlike many illnesses, there are often no obvious outward signs.
Patients may appear completely normal while experiencing extreme pain.
Symptoms can also overlap with other conditions, including:
- Dental problems
- Sinus infections
- Ear disorders
- Migraines
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Anxiety-related symptoms
As a result, patients may spend months or years searching for answers.
The Emotional Impact of Not Being Believed
For many people, the hardest part is not just the pain itself.
It is feeling misunderstood.
When test results appear normal or when doctors cannot immediately identify a cause, patients may begin questioning themselves.
Family members may struggle to understand.
Friends may offer advice that misses the mark.
Over time, this can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.
This is one reason why getting an accurate diagnosis is so important.
A diagnosis does not instantly remove the pain, but it provides validation and a path forward.
Finally Receiving the Correct Diagnosis
The turning point came when a healthcare professional suggested that the symptoms might be trigeminal neuralgia.
Further evaluation confirmed the diagnosis.
For the first time in two years, there was an explanation.
The diagnosis brought mixed emotions.
Relief because the mystery was solved.
Fear because trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition known for causing severe pain.
But at least there was finally a name for what she had been experiencing.
What Patients Can Learn From This Story
Trust Your Experience
You know your body better than anyone else.
If something feels wrong, continue asking questions.
Seek Additional Opinions
Medicine is complex, and different healthcare professionals bring different perspectives.
A second opinion can sometimes change everything.
Mental Health and Physical Health Can Coexist
Experiencing anxiety or depression does not mean your physical symptoms are not real.
Both deserve attention and proper care.
Keep Looking for Answers
Many trigeminal neuralgia patients experience delays in diagnosis.
Persistence can make a significant difference.
Mom's Perspective
One of the hardest parts of my journey was trying to explain the pain to other people.
I knew something was wrong, but I could not explain it in a way that made others understand how severe it felt.
When I was told that depression and anxiety might be causing my symptoms, I felt frustrated because I knew the pain was real.
I remember saying, "If it is depression, I accept it. But please give me something for this unbearable pain."
Looking back, I do not blame the doctors. Trigeminal neuralgia is not always easy to recognize.
But I wish more healthcare professionals would listen carefully when patients describe their pain.
My advice to others is simple: trust yourself. If you feel something is wrong, continue searching for answers. The right diagnosis can change everything.
Conclusion
Not every patient with trigeminal neuralgia will experience a misdiagnosis.
But many do.
My mother's story is a reminder that severe pain should never be dismissed simply because its cause is not immediately obvious.
Sometimes the answer takes time.
Sometimes it takes multiple opinions.
And sometimes the journey to diagnosis is almost as difficult as the condition itself.
But answers are possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trigeminal neuralgia commonly misdiagnosed?
Yes. Many patients are initially diagnosed with dental problems, sinus issues, migraines, or other conditions before receiving the correct diagnosis.
Can anxiety cause facial pain?
Anxiety can contribute to physical symptoms, including tension and discomfort, but severe facial pain should always be properly evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Why do doctors miss trigeminal neuralgia?
The condition is relatively uncommon, symptoms can vary, and patients often appear healthy between pain episodes.
How long does it take to diagnose trigeminal neuralgia?
Some patients receive a diagnosis quickly, while others may spend months or years seeking answers.
Should I seek a second opinion for unexplained facial pain?
If symptoms persist and you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed, seeking another medical opinion may be beneficial.