Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. If you have trigeminal neuralgia, even mild stimulation of your face — such as from brushing your teeth or putting on makeup — may trigger a jolt of excruciating pain.

You may initially experience short, mild attacks. But trigeminal neuralgia can progress and cause longer, more-frequent bouts of searing pain. Trigeminal neuralgia affects women more often than men, and it's more likely to occur in people who are older than 50.

Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms may include:

• Episodes of severe, shooting or jabbing pain.
• Spontaneous attacks of pain or attacks triggered by things such as touching the face, chewing, or even speaking.
• Bouts of pain lasting from a few seconds to several minutes.
• Constant aching, burning feeling that may occur before it evolves into the spasm-like pain of trigeminal neuralgia.

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