The trigeminal nerve is located in the skin of the face, the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, teeth, eyes, and meninges.
The trigeminal nerve is a mixed cerebral nerve that conducts superficial sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch, and it consists of three major branches, namely the ophthalmic nerve, the maxillary nerve, and the mandibular nerve.
Trigeminal nerve mainly innervates facial and frontal sensation, so the location of trigeminal neuralgia is generally clearer, and its pain is often cut-like, electric shock-like severe pain. If the lesion involves the corresponding branch, it is possible to have pain from the ear to the top of the head.
Generally, trigeminal neuralgia is more common in the second and third branches, with the cheeks, corners of the mouth, nose, tongue as the sensitive areas, which can be triggered by light touch, with the characteristic of “trigger point”. In severe cases, reflexive facial muscle twitching may occur, with the corner of the mouth pulling toward the affected side, called painful twitching. It may be accompanied by tears, salivation, runny nose, facial flushing, conjunctival congestion and other clinical manifestations.
If pain from the ear to the top of the head occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible to clarify the cause and treat under the guidance of a specialized physician.