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The most common neuralgia type is trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia refers to a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, the three-part nerve that provides sensation to the upper face, the mid face, and the lower face, the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve.
Trigeminal neuralgia usually occurs in people over the age of 40 or 50. It is episodic, sharp, stabbing electroshock-type pain. It occurs very suddenly, and it lasts a few seconds. It can last 10 or 15 seconds, or the episodes can keep coming for many minutes, but between the episodes of pain in trigeminal neuralgia, people don't have pain. Trigeminal neuralgia is often precipitated or brought on or triggered by eating or laughing or talking, but it can also be triggered just by touching a certain spot on the face. Men say that when they shave, it triggers the episodes of pain. Women say when they put on their makeup, it can trigger the pain. One's face can be so sensitive that even cold wind blowing on the face can trigger these sharp, shooting attacks.
Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the worst pains known. It's often called the suicide disease because the episodes of pain are so incredibly severe that historically, before we had treatments, people have actually committed suicide to get away from that kind of pain.
Trigeminal neuralgia usually occurs in people over the age of 40 or 50. It is episodic, sharp, stabbing electroshock-type pain. It occurs very suddenly, and it lasts a few seconds. It can last 10 or 15 seconds, or the episodes can keep coming for many minutes, but between the episodes of pain in trigeminal neuralgia, people don't have pain. Trigeminal neuralgia is often precipitated or brought on or triggered by eating or laughing or talking, but it can also be triggered just by touching a certain spot on the face. Men say that when they shave, it triggers the episodes of pain. Women say when they put on their makeup, it can trigger the pain. One's face can be so sensitive that even cold wind blowing on the face can trigger these sharp, shooting attacks.
Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the worst pains known. It's often called the suicide disease because the episodes of pain are so incredibly severe that historically, before we had treatments, people have actually committed suicide to get away from that kind of pain.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.