Trigeminal neuraglia is also referred to as TN or tic doloreux.  This is a condition of intense facial pain that lasts seconds to hours, often accompanied by a sharp or electrical sensation. It is often provoked by touch.

There are probably many causes of trigeminal neuralgia.  Vibrating of an intracranial artery can result in changes of the myelin covering of the trigeminal nerve, causing it to
misconduct electrical signals along its course.  Sometimes, the myelin covering of the
trigeminal nerve may spontaneously break, perhaps due to inflammation.  When a nerve is irritated, it is not uncommon that a burning, stinging or electrical sensation is felt.  Most causes of TN are unknown.

Treatment
Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia is often accomplished with medications.  They may be used in small doses, and side effects may not be a problem.  Carbamazepine is often used to treat TN, although tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants, baclofen and sometimes NSAIDs can also be helpful.  In cases when a bulging artery compresses the trigeminal nerve, a microvascular decompression surgery may be helpful.  Cyberknife (gamma radiation radiosurgery) treatment can be helpful for idiopathic cases, but availability is limited.  Trigeminal neurectomy has also been performed for this condition.