Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a painful disorder of the fifth cranial nerve (called trigeminal nerve), which results in a sharp-shooting, lightning-like pain found in the face, forehead or jaw. Trigeminal neuralgia may progress and cause longer and more frequent attacks. Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include occasional twinges, episodes of shooting pain, spontaneous pain triggered by speaking, chewing, brushing the teeth and other mild movements, pain in the cheek, teeth, gums, lips, jaw, eye, forehead and other areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve branches. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for carrying sensation from the face to your brain; if this function is disrupted or the nerves are damaged, trigeminal neuralgia occurs. Aging is the most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia, but multiple sclerosis and tumor can also cause the condition.