Atypical trigeminal neuralgia is a rare disorder that causes sudden, sharp pain in the face. This pain is often described as “shooting” or “stabbing.” The pain can happen on one or both sides of the face and may be felt in the teeth, lips, gums, nose, eyes, forehead or scalp.
There are several types of atypical trigeminal neuralgia:
1. Type 1: This type affects only one side of the face. It occurs in people who have had typical trigeminal neuralgia in the past and usually does not cause permanent damage to your facial nerves (unlike typical trigeminal neuralgia).
2. Type 2: This type can affect both sides of your face at once or in alternating patterns over time. It may be triggered by cold weather and/or windy conditions such as those experienced during winter months when temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).