The medical Explanation:
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also called tic douloureux, is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal (fifth cranial) nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. TN is a form of neuropathic pain (pain associated with nerve injury or nerve lesion.) Although sometimes debilitating, the disorder is not life-threatening.
TN is considered to be one of the most painful afflictions known to medical practice. Jolts of pain may be triggered by vibration or mild stimulation of your face such as from brushing your teeth, applying makeup, eating, drinking, talking, or being exposed to the wind. Pain episodes can last from a few seconds to as long as two minutes. These attacks can occur in quick succession or in volleys lasting as long as two hours.
The intensity of pain can be physically and mentally incapacitating. TN pain is typically felt on one side of the jaw or cheek. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months at a time and then disappear for months or years. In the days before an episode begins, some patients may experience a tingling or numbing sensation or a somewhat constant and aching pain. The attacks often worsen over time, with fewer and shorter pain-free periods before they recur. Eventually, the pain-free intervals may disappear and medication to control the pain becomes less effective. (Mayo Clinic)