Which cranial nerve is affected by trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is primarily associated with cranial nerve 5, which is also known as the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. The condition causes episodes of severe, stabbing pain typically in the areas of the face that the trigeminal nerve supplies, including the forehead, cheek, and jaw.

Cranial nerve 4 is the trochlear nerve, which controls a muscle that allows for eye movement. Cranial nerve 6 is the abducens nerve, which is responsible for lateral eye movement. Cranial nerve 7, also known as the facial nerve, controls the muscles of facial expression and provides sensory taste sensations. None of these nerves are implicated in the pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. Thus, cranial nerve 5 is the only one relevant to this condition, as it directly correlates with the sensory pathways that are affected in trigeminal neuralgia.