Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN, or TGN), also known as prosopalgia, tic douloureux, Fothergill's disease or suicide disease. is a severe neuropathic chronic pain disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve (also known as the fifth cranial nerve: a three-branched nerve that carries sensations from the face to the brain and controls facial motor functions such as biting and chewing). Evidence indicates that TN is caused by loss of myelin from the sensory fibers within the nerve itself. The classic presentation of TN (type 1) is characterized by episodes of sudden, explosive severe pain along the trigeminal nerve, with periods of pain-free remission between attacks. The atypical form of TN (type 2) presents with the paroxysmal pain of classic TN, but with the addition of a constant pain that fluctuates from a dull aching to an excruciating roar. Trigeminal neuralgia is considered by medical experts to be one of the most painful conditions known to humankind.