Neuralgia Image

Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve that causes episodes of sharp, stabbing pain in the cheek, lips, gums, or chin on one side of the face. It more often occurs in people over 70, and women are three times more likely to develop the condition than are men. The origin of this disorder is not certain, but scientists believe it may be caused by degeneration, pressure, or irritation of the trigeminal nerve. (Illustration by Electronic Illustrators Group. The Gale Group.)