What should you know about trigeminal headache?

The trigeminal nerve carries sensation from much of the face and parts of the head. Irritation of its branches can produce pain around the forehead, cheek, jaw, teeth, or eye. People may describe a sharp, burning, electric, or aching sensation, sometimes with tenderness or sensitivity to touch. A headache label alone does not identify the cause. Sinus symptoms, viral illness, dehydration, heat exposure, anxiety, dental problems, migraine, and nerve pain can overlap. Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic Sinusitis, Common Cold, COVID-19, Dehydration, Dengue Fever, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Heat Exhaustion are possible related topics, but facial pain does not diagnose any of them.

Record where the pain starts, whether it is one-sided, how long each episode lasts, and what brings it on, such as chewing, brushing teeth, cold air, light, or movement. Note blocked nose, fever, rash, nausea, eye symptoms, dental pain, or recent illness. Rest somewhere cool and quiet, drink fluids if you can, and follow the label of any familiar pain medicine unless a clinician has advised against it. Arrange a medical review if attacks recur, interfere with eating or sleep, or need frequent pain relief. A clinician may examine your nerves, eyes, mouth, and sinuses before deciding whether tests or specialist care are needed.

Seek urgent help for a sudden, severe headache; new weakness, numbness, confusion, fainting, trouble speaking, or loss of balance; a painful red eye or new vision change; fever with a stiff neck; repeated vomiting; a new rash with severe pain; or headache after a head injury. Seek prompt assessment for new facial pain during pregnancy, in a person with a weakened immune system, or when pain is steadily worsening. These warning signs call for assessment because they can reflect problems beyond an ordinary headache.

Ask: Could the pain be coming from a nerve, sinus, eye, tooth, or another headache pattern? What features should I record? Which medicines are suitable with my other conditions? What should I do if an attack lasts longer or changes character?