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What is trigeminal neuralgia?
Trigeminal neuralgia is an often excruciatingly painful syndrome involving a portion of one side of the face. The pain, which is usually paroxysmal (occurring in episodes) and profoundly disabling, may be triggered by speaking, chewing, or brushing teeth. This syndrome most frequently targets older populations, but can be occur at any age.
What is the trigeminal nerve?
The trigeminal nerve is the largest of the cranial nerves (nerves that come directly from the brain, not the spinal cord) and is responsible for sensation in the face. The nerve divides into three separate branches. The first branch (opthalmic) controls sensation in the eye, upper eyelid and forehead. The second branch (maxillary) controls sensation in the lower eyelid, cheek, nostril, upper lip and upper gum. The third branch (mandibular) controls sensations in the jaw, lower lip, lower gum and some of the muscles used for chewing.
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