Trigenimal neuralgia is only in the face. It's the nerve which runs from the brain into that part of the sinus area and is due to the nerve being trapped by a vein which as it pulsates it squashes the nerve. OUCH! There are other nerves which probably have long names but neuralgia is specific.
My Aunt had 2 operations in order to cut the vein which was squashing the nerve causing the acute, sudden, intense pain …….. the Consultant put an injection into the area first to see how long the effect would last and as it was long enough, he went ahead with the operation (from behind the skull so she was face down during surgery). She had it twice: first time she had no symptoms for 12 years so the Consultant said he would repeat the procedure.
I get pains in the top of my head too, enough to make me yelp - so embarrassing in public
and deep in my ear …… sudden, sharp with the 'ouch' effect. Gone as soon as it happens but oh so painful.
More info here:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Trigeminal-neuralgiaand from the TN site -
interestingly, since I had the condition in the 1990s it is now found that the nerve branches into 3 places across the front of the head, sinus area and into the jaw. The pain affected the bone under the left eye socket and the area felt bruised for months after the last attack. 3 years ago after dental treatment it started again
…..