Trigeminal Neuralgia (Tic Douloureux) What Is It? Trigeminal
neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a painful disorder
of a nerve in the face called the trigeminal nerve or fifth
cranial nerve. There are two trigeminal nerves, one on each side
of the face. These nerves are responsible for detecting touch,
pain, temperature and pressure sensations in areas of the face
between the jaw and forehead. People who have trigeminal
neuralgia usually have episodes of sudden, intense, "stabbing"
or "shocklike" facial pain. This pain can occur almost anywhere
between the jaw and forehead, including inside the mouth.
However, it usually is limited to one side of the face. In some
cases, the cause of trigeminal neuralgia is unknown. In many
people, however, something seems to be irritating the trigeminal
nerve, usually in the area of the nerve's origin deep within the
skull. In most cases, the irritation is believed to be caused by
an abnormal blood vessel pressing on the nerve. Less often, the
nerve is being irritate