Trigeminal neuralgia

Definition

A rare acquired peripheral neuropathy characterized by paroxysmal, sharp, stabbing, electric-shock-like orofacial pain, that is restricted to one or more of the trigeminal nerve divisions and mostly unilateral. Attacks are brief (few seconds to a maximum of two minutes), but typically occur repeatedly and periodically, can arise spontaneously or be triggered by innocuous stimuli, and are frequently accompanied by tic-like cramps of facial muscles. The condition affects women more often than men.