The neurological condition Trigeminal Neuralgia (TGN), also known as "Tic Douloureux" affects the sensory portion of the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve and is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense, shock-like pain that are localized to one or more of the nerve's three major branches: The Ophthalmic (V1), Maxillary (V2), or Mandibular (V3). Typically, when certain trigger zones are stimulated by movement or contact, painful, lancinating facial pain results. The lips, gums, cheek, or chin may all be affected by paroxysmal pain. TGN is uncommon before the third decade of life and affects roughly 1 person in 25,000 people in the general population.
