Trigeminal neuralgia is a sudden, excruciating pain on one side of the face due to a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation from parts of the face and controls some muscles used for chewing.
The cause is usually pressure on the nerve from a blood vessel or, rarely, from a tumor.
Attacks may last for a few seconds to several minutes, and may be so severe that the person is unable to do anything during them. Afterward, the pain usually disappears completely. An attack may occur spontaneously, or may be triggered by actions such as chewing, talking, or touching the face.
Attacks may be frequent, though in some cases there may be long periods of remission.
Treatment for this condition is usually with medication, although surgery may sometimes be an option.

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