Trigeminal Neuralgia: Trigeminal Nerve
Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. It is characterized by severe, sudden, and intermittent episodes of facial pain that can last for seconds to minutes. The pain is usually felt on one side of the face, and it can be triggered by common activities such as eating, speaking, or even a light breeze. TN is also known as the "suicide disease" because of the severe nature of the pain and the impact it can have on a person's quality of life. The condition is rare, but it is estimated to affect about 1 in 15,000 people. TN is typically diagnosed in people over the age of 50, but it can also occur in younger people. The pain caused by TN can be debilitating and can significantly impact a person's quality of life.