Trigeminal Neuralgia

Often referred to as ‘Face Pain’,

This disorder affects the trigeminal nerve, one of the largest cranial nerves in the head. This nerve receives impulses for touch, pain, pressure and temperature to the brain from the face, jaw, gums, forehead and around the eyes. While TN is a common facial pain disorder affecting both men and women of various ages, it’s often misdiagnosed as a dental disorder.

TN is commonly characterized by a sudden, severe electric-like shock or stabbing pain felt on one side of the jaw that comes in waves. Pain is often brought on by cold wind, chewing, talking or brushing teeth. The discomfort is disabling in some cases, affecting not only the patient but the entire family. Most have mild, occasional twinges of pain while others have more frequent severe shocking pain.