Neuralgia

The 1st (olfactory), 5th (trigeminal), 9th (glossopharyngeal), 10th (pneumogastric), 11th (accessory), 12th (hypoglossal) cranial nerves and other specified nerves can be causes of pains called neuralgias.

Trigeminal nerve is one of a pair of nerves that connects to the mouth, teeth, face and nasal cavities. Trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux) is a disorder that causes episodes of intense, stabbing, electric shock-like pain in the areas of the face where the branches of the nerve are distributed - lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, upper jaw, and lower jaw. Something as simple and routine as brushing the teeth, putting on makeup or even a slight breeze can trigger an attack resulting in sheer agony for the individual. It is universally considered to be the most painful affliction known to adult men and women.

Anti-convulsant drugs are usually prescribed, but if ineffective or if they produce undesirable side effects, neurosurgical procedures are available to relieve pressure on the nerve or to reduce nerve sensitivity.