Trigeminal Neuralgia
What is it?

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder that delivers quick bursts of electric-shock like pain to the face, usually on one side. This type of pain is classic trigeminal neuralgia (TN),

also known as TN1 or Type 1. Bilateral TN, pain on both sides of the face, occurs, though less frequently than one-sided TN. 

 

Triggered pain is typical of TN1. Triggers, when activated, cause searing, intense pain.

Triggers include:

Chewing

Drinking

Speaking

Touching the face

Brushing teeth

Washing the face

A light breeze or strong wind

Cold weather

Smiling or laughing

Sneezing and coughing

The list goes on and on. 

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Secondary Trigeminal Neuralgia occurs when TN is a symptom of another condition or disease, namely, multiple sclerosis, or MS, for example. 

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Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia, ATN, or TN2, is a continual burning or dull ache in the face. There are usually no triggers involved. However, TN1 and TN2 can occur at the same time.

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For additional information, visit Facial Pain Association at facepain.org​