Trigeminal Neuralgia (Fothergill’s Disease)

This is a condition that causes a sensation like an electric shock to the side of the face. It affects the trigeminal nerve, which carrries sensations from the face to the brain. Even brushing your teeth may cause severe pain, if you have this. The condition can progress to causing longer and more frequent episodes of excruciating pain. Trigeminal neuralgia, which may be caused by a blood vessel pressing on a nerve, is more common in women than in men and more likely to strike people older than 50. There are many treatment options, including physical therapy.