Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is one of the major nerves of your head and face. It causes intense pain in your upper teeth, lower jaw, or both.
The cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not known, but it may be hereditary. The condition most often affects people over age 60. It can also occur in younger people who have a history of migraine headaches or stroke.
The symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include:
*Painful sensations (tingling, burning, stabbing) that last from a few seconds to several minutes or longer
*Pain that feels like an electric shock
*Pain in one or more spots on either side of your face
*Uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (such as twitching)