* A defining feature of trigeminal neuralgia is the trigger zone—a small area in the central part of the face, usually on a cheek, nose, or lip, that, when stimulated, triggers a typical burst of pain.

o A light touch or vibration is the most effective trigger.

o Because of this, many common daily activities trigger the attacks.

+ Washing your face, brushing your teeth, shaving, or talking

+ Common sensations such as having wind hit your face

+ Eating and chewing

* Many people avoid food and drink rather than experience the severe pain.

o These people risk weight loss and dehydration, a leading cause of hospitalization in this group.

o People frequently require hospitalization for rapid pain control when their trigeminal neuralgia becomes unmanageable at home.

* Between attacks, most people remain relatively pain-free. A subgroup, however, experience a dull ache between attacks, suggesting physical compression of the affected nerve, either by a blood vessel or some other structure.