What is another name for trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminial neuralgia is commonly referred to as "tic douloureux," which is a term that originates from French, meaning "painful tic." This condition is characterized by sudden, severe facial pain often triggered by activities such as chewing or touching the face. The name reflects the spasmodic nature of the pain that can feel like sharp, shooting pain, resembling a tic.

The other terms listed do not accurately describe trigeminal neuralgia specifically. "Neuralgia simplex" refers to general nerve pain and does not specify the trigeminal nerve. "Facial pain syndrome" is a broader term encompassing various types of facial pain, and while trigeminal neuralgia falls under this category, it is less specific. "Neuropathic pain" describes pain resulting from damage or disease affecting the somatosensory system, which is a broader classification that can include various conditions beyond just trigeminal neuralgia. Thus, "tic douloureux" is the precise and widely recognized term for trigeminal neuralgia.