Inflammatory disorder of the trigeminal nerve of the face.
The cause is not usually found but is sometimes due to a pinching of one of its branches (upper branch: forehead and scalp, middle branch: nose, cheek and upper lip; lower branch: lower lip and jaw) on one side of the face. It may be triggered by loud sounds, brushing teeth, chewing, drinking, eating, or by simple touching of the face.
It presents with a very intense throbbing pain in the face, like an electric shock spasm.
Diagnosis is made by clinical history and physical examination, as well as analysis, magnetic resonance imaging and Trigeminal nerve reflex testing.
The main treatment is pain control due to nerve inflammation and sometimes anticonvulsant drugs, muscle relaxants and/or tricyclic antidepressants. Occasionally surgery relieves pressure on the nerve.
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