TL;DR Quick answer
Sudden, severe, electric-shock facial pain triggered by touch, eating or speaking. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as nerve block and trigeminal nerve block.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia affects the nerve that carries sensation from the face. Attacks are brief but intense and often triggered by everyday activities.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Brief, shock-like pain in the cheek, jaw, teeth or forehead; attacks triggered by touch, chewing, brushing teeth or wind; usually one side of the face |
| Common causes | A blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve; multiple sclerosis (less common); other nerve compression |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | See a doctor for new facial numbness, weakness, or facial pain with other neurological symptoms |
| Treatment options | Nerve Block, Trigeminal Nerve Block |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Brief, shock-like pain in the cheek, jaw, teeth or forehead
- Attacks triggered by touch, chewing, brushing teeth or wind
- Usually one side of the face
- Pain-free periods between attacks
Causes
- A blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve
- Multiple sclerosis (less common)
- Other nerve compression
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
See a doctor for new facial numbness, weakness, or facial pain with other neurological symptoms.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nerve Block | Procedure | An injection of local anaesthetic near a specific nerve to diagnose or relieve pain. | 10–30 minutes |
| Trigeminal Nerve Block | Procedure | Nerve block or radiofrequency treatment for trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain. | 20–45 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
