Some people experience severe, intermittent pain in the face
that could be related to the facial nerve. There are 12 nerves
(called cranial nerves) deep within the brain. The fifth cranial
is responsible for sending messages to the face, including pain,
temperature, and sensation. In some people, there is pressure or
sensitivity of the 5th cranial nerve that results in severe,
intermittent pain in the cheeks/forehead or behind the eye- this
is commonly referred to as trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal
neuralgia occurs more often in women than men, and is more
commonly diagnosed after the fourth or fifth decade of live
(though it can occur in younger persons). The pain is often
described as sharp/sudden/severe/stabbing or electric shock. The
pain can occur at any time, but is often triggered by cold
wind/brushing teeth/chewing/ or talking. Some people report pain
when swallowing. Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia can include
medications, injections or surgery. The specialists at the
Neurosurgery Center of Color