A severe facial pain not caused by any local conditions of the face or dentition. Intense electrical shocks to the side of the face may be experienced

Medications often can help but eventually become less effective over time

Type 1 trigeminal neuralgia is caused by a conflict of an artery within the brainstem with the sensory nerve of the face (trigeminal nerve). 

Surgery involves relocation of the artery away from the nerve (Microvascular decompression) through a craniotomy (window of bone in the skull). This is often the most durable treatment of Type 1 trigeminal neuralgia in carefully selected patients. 

If open surgery is not an option, a percutaneous (through the skin) insertion of a needle through the corner of the mouth to deliver a balloon, electrode or medications directly on the trigeminal nerve can be performed to provide relief.