Trigeminal neuralgia has been described as "the most terrible pain known to man." While it can occur at any age and in both men and women, it is most common in women over 50. Patients suffer sudden attacks of facial pain described as intense, sharp, stabbing or like an electric shock. The pain is usually felt in the cheekbone, nose, upper lip or teeth, but it can affect any part of the face or mouth and extend as far as the chin. Rarely, trigeminal neuralgia can affect both sides of the face. However, in most patients, it only affects one side. The stabbing pain can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Melvin Field, MD, medical director for AdventHealth's Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery program, says, "Patients with trigeminal neuralgia regularly tell me that the recurring episodes of pain are disabling and disrupt every aspect of their life. This vicious cycle of pain without warning disrupts their daily activities, such as eating, sleeping, talking and exercising. We want to help them regain control over their lives and lessen their pain."