Trigeminal Neuralgia Center

What You Need to Know

• Trigeminal neuralgia is a specific facial pain condition, characterized by episodes of sharp, stabbing or electrical pain in one side of the face.
• These episodes may be triggered by even light touch, brushing teeth, eating, drinking or talking.
• It occurs more often in women than in men.
• Trigeminal neuralgia may be caused by a blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve, wearing away the insulation (myelin) and exposing sensory nerve fibers. Other causes can be tumors or diseases affecting myelin, such as MS. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
• Trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis includes a detailed history or sometimes a CT scan or MRI or medication trials.

Patient Resources

Learn more about trigeminal neuralgia in our Health Library.