To better understand trigeminal neuralgia, it helps to understand the anatomy of the trigeminal nerve.

The pain of trigeminal neuralgia is caused by problem with the nerve that supplies part of the face, called the trigeminal nerve, or fifth cranial nerve. The trigeminal nerve supplies sensation to the cheek, forehead, and the area around the mouth. There is a trigeminal nerve on each side of the face.

Anatomy examples:

• Trigeminal nerve
• Cranial nerves
• Trigeminal nerve supplies the entire face