Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic neurological condition that causes severe, stabbing pain in the face. The pain is usually triggered by contact with the cheek or jawbone, but can also be caused by chewing or brushing the teeth. The pain typically lasts only a few seconds, and can be debilitating for up to several minutes at a time.
Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include:
– Sharp, shock-like pain deep in the cheeks or jaws
– Pain on one side of the face (usually on just one side of your face)
– Pain triggered by chewing, brushing teeth, talking or smiling (triggers vary from person to person)
– Pain that comes and goes throughout the day (some people experience constant pain)