Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of the nerve that carries sensation from the face. The trigeminal nerve provides sensation to the face, teeth, mouth, and nasal cavity. Neuralgia means pain in one or more of these areas without a clear cause. It may occur on either or both sides of the face. It occurs most often in women over age 40, although it may occur in men or women. The problem appears suddenly. It may resolve on its own. It may also disappear for months or years, only to return. An attack of trigeminal neuralgia often brings searing or burning pain that comes in sudden jabs. This may last from 1 to 15 minutes. The most common areas of attack are the cheeks and jaw. An attack usually follows some sort of trigger. These may include:
* a light touch to the area,
* a draft of air,
* exposure to heat or cold, or
* hot or cold drinks.

The frequency of the attacks come vary from person to person. Between attacks, most people are free of pain. Some may have a dull ache. The causes are not well understood. The problem may stem from:
* a short circuit between touch and pain nerves,
* multiple sclerosis or,
* infection of the nerve by herpes simplex virus.

Trigeminal neuralgia produces no clinical changes that a doctor can measure. Therefore, the doctor usually depends on the person's report to diagnose it. The person may favor the area of the face by trying to hold it still. He or she often stops washing and shaving the area and may keep it covered. The doctorwill order tests to rule out other causes of pain such as tumors or infections of the teeth or sinuses.

Certain drugs may relieve the pain. When medical measures fail, one might consider surgery. There are methods to remove part of the nerve. These include electrosurgery, microsurgery, and radio wave surgery. After surgery, the person will lose the sense of touch in that area. He or she must be extra alert for problems that pain would otherwise signal. Examples are:
* burns,
* dry eyes (when the blink reflex has been lost) , and* care in gum or dental problems (when oral sensation has been lost).

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