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What is a Trigeminal Nerve?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

The trigeminal nerve is the fifth nerve in the cranium. Also known as the fifth vertebrate peripheral nerve, trigeminal nerves are responsible for processing sensation from the head to the brain. When the nerve does not function efficiently, the result can be a great deal of pain at various points around the face, sometimes so excruciating that the individual is unable to deal with the pain without some type of medication.

In order to process sensation properly, the trigeminal nerve will interface with the sensory nerves located around the face. This allows the nerve to collect and transmit data from the nerves in the jaw, chin, cheeks, and forehead to the brain. The transmission is instantaneous, allowing for a quick response to all sorts of stimuli across the face, include extremes of heat and cold, as well as touch.

The trigeminal nerve is the fifth nerve in the cranium.
The trigeminal nerve is the fifth nerve in the cranium.

While the nerve does relay information regarding sensation or feeling from the head, this type of cranial nerve is not involved in the actual process of movement or motion. However, the trigeminal nerve is involved in triggering motor functions with the muscles of the jaw. It is this trigger that activates the process of mastication, allowing individuals to thoroughly chew food before swallowing.

Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes used to help manage trigeminal nerve symptoms.
Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes used to help manage trigeminal nerve symptoms.

When the trigeminal nerve is compromised in some manner, a condition known as trigeminal neuralgia results. This health condition essentially creates a situation where sudden and unanticipated episodes of pain erupt at any area of the face or jaw that is involved with the nerve. The areas affected are often extremely sensitive to even the lightest touch. This can create situations where performing even the simplest of tasks, such as shaving along the jawline, can become extremely uncomfortable.

Jaw pain may occur when the trigeminal nerve is compromised in some manner.
Jaw pain may occur when the trigeminal nerve is compromised in some manner.

These quick but very painful episodes can last anywhere from a few seconds to several hours, depending on the amount of trauma that the trigeminal nerve has experienced. Because the pain is so intense, many people are unable to withstand the episodes without the aid of some type of medication to numb the nerves associated with the area. There are also examples of people suffering with damage to the fifth nerve using chiropractic manipulation as a way of easing the burning sensations and frequent bursts of stabbing pain.

In advanced cases, medication or the use of chiropractic services may only be a temporary solution. When that is the case, surgery is often employed to repair the damage to the trigeminal nerve or at least limit the ability of the nerve to transmit pain sensations to the brain.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon999033

Trigeminal neuralgia is often caused by infected root canal teeth and jawbone cavitations.

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    • The trigeminal nerve is the fifth nerve in the cranium.
      By: arkela
      The trigeminal nerve is the fifth nerve in the cranium.
    • Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes used to help manage trigeminal nerve symptoms.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes used to help manage trigeminal nerve symptoms.
    • Jaw pain may occur when the trigeminal nerve is compromised in some manner.
      By: Yoanna Boyadzhieva
      Jaw pain may occur when the trigeminal nerve is compromised in some manner.