[contentuser]

Cause and Risk Factors

Trigeminal neuralgia results from damage to or pressure on the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve). In most cases, the underlying cause for the condition is unknown. An abnormality in a blood vessel (e.g., vein, artery) near one of the trigeminal nerve roots may contribute to the condition by causing the vessel to press on, irritate, or damage the nerve. Some types of blood vessel disorders are genetic (inherited).

Age is a known risk factor for trigeminal neural...Read the full article

[lrobertson]

I found this article very helpful, but would like more information on possible genetic links. My mother, who has now passed away, suffered with Trigeminal Neuralgia. She, however, was young when diagnosed. When she was in her early 50s she had a brain surgery, which clipped the nerve to the lower portion of her face. She was then numb from below the eye down to her jaw bone.
Recently I have began experiencing severe, yet short, stabbing pain to my lower left cheek, close to my mouth. I haven't been to a Dr., I hate going there, and would like more information.

Thanks