A nerve pain on the side of the head can be indicative of trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve.
Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia
According to the provided overview, trigeminal neuralgia (also known as tic douloureux) involves the trigeminal nerve, located on the side of the head. This condition is characterized by:
- Intense Pain: Experiencing stabbing or electric shock-like pain.
- Location of Pain: The pain can manifest in areas served by the trigeminal nerve, including the lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, and jaw.
- Severity: While not fatal, the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia can be extremely debilitating.
Key Aspects of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Here is a breakdown of the important features of trigeminal neuralgia:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Affected Nerve | Trigeminal nerve (a nerve on the side of the head) |
| Pain Quality | Stabbing, electric shock-like |
| Pain Intensity | Intense and debilitating |
| Affected Areas | Lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, jaw |
| Life Threatening? | No, but significantly impacts quality of life due to severe pain |
