What is a common characteristic of pain experienced by patients with trigeminal neuralgia?

Patients with trigeminal neuralgia typically experience pain that is described as shooting or jolting. This type of pain is often sudden and can be triggered by routine activities such as eating, talking, or even touching the face. The hallmark of trigeminal neuralgia is the intense, sharp, and brief episodes of pain that can be debilitating for those affected.

In contrast, dull and throbbing pain tends to be more consistent and less intense, which is not characteristic of the paroxysmal nature of trigeminal neuralgia. Constant mild discomfort does not align with the episodes of severe pain that characterize this condition, and cramp-like sensations suggest a different type of pain experience, potentially associated with muscle spasms rather than the nerve-related pain seen in trigeminal neuralgia.