Trigeminal neuralgia
Find out about trigeminal neuralgia, which is sudden, severe facial pain, often described as sharp, shooting or like an electric shock.
The main symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is sudden attacks of severe, sharp and shooting facial pain that last from a few seconds to about two minutes.
Read about the causes of trigeminal neuralgia. In most cases it's thought to be caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve or an underlying condition that affects this nerve.
Find out how trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed. As the pain is often felt in the jaw, teeth or gums, many people often visit their dentist initially, rather than their GP.
Read about the treatments available for trigeminal neuralgia. A number of medications or surgical procedures can be used to provide pain relief. Avoiding triggers can also help.