Trigeminal Neuralgia
The trigeminal nerve is one of the largest nerves in the head. It is responsible for sending messages to the brain from the face, jaw, gums, forehead and eye areas. The impulses sent have to do with touch, pain, pressure and temperature.
If the insulation of this nerve root is worn away by constant rubbing over time from blood vessels in the brain, then irritation to the nerve results.
Common Symptoms
- sudden, severe pain in the face (eyes, lips, scalp, forehead)
- pain lasts several seconds
- sensitivity to touches on the face even as slight as a light breeze
- pain can be brought on by swallowing or brushing teeth
- pain often on one side of the head
- attacks may repeat for up to months
- attacks usually occur in people over 50 and in more women than men