Facial pain (trigeminal neuralgia)

Patients describe the pain as an “electric shock” or shooting, stabbing pain. In most cases the pain is focused in your lower jaw.

Typically the pain is brought on by lightly touching your face during activities such as washing, brushing your teeth or eating. However the pain can occur without any trigger. Periods of pain may last for months and then disappear.

If you are experiencing severe facial pain – especially if over the counter pain killers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen do not relieve your pain, you should see your GP. Sometimes a diagnosis is made by a dentist. However, if your dentist can not confirm the cause of your pain you should see your GP for referral to a specialist.