Trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe facial pain. It’s often described as a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums. It usually happens in short, unpredictable attacks that can last from a few seconds to about 2 minutes. The attacks stop as suddenly as they start.
The trigeminal nerve carries sensation from the face to the brain. It’s most common in women over age 50.Symptoms range from mild to severe facial pain, often triggered by chewing, speaking, or brushing the teeth.Treatment includes medications, injections, and surgery.
