causes trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological disease in which irritation or pressure on the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve exiting the skull) pathway causes a stabbing pain in the cheek, eye, and lower part of the face. The pain is usually located on only one side of the face. In addition to pain, there may be tingling and numbness. Trigeminal neuralgia is more common in people older than 50 years of age, in women, and in people who have multiple sclerosis. Trigeminal neuralgia commonly results from pressure exerted on the trigeminal nerve by a swollen blood vessel. However, any structure, such as a tumor or swelling that irritates or compresses the trigeminal nerve, may cause trigeminal neuralgia.