There are many types of cranial neuralgia. They differ depending on the cranial nerves involved and the patterns of pain that result. The types of cranial neuralgia include:

• Trigeminal neuralgia. The most common type of cranial neuralgia, according to the National Institutes of Health. The trigeminal (fifth cranial) nerve is the largest of the cranial nerves, making this type of neuralgia one of the most debilitating.

Patients often feel pain in sharp bursts (usually less than two minutes’ duration) that occur along only one side of the face. Pain is usually in the lower face or jaw (and not often in the temple or forehead area). It may be triggered by touching the skin of the face, or when chewing, talking, swallowing or brushing the teeth.

The condition may also be referred to as tic douloureux because of the wincing reaction to facial pain that many patients demonstrate. Cases tend to occur most frequently in patients who are 50 years of age or older.

• Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. This is an uncommon type of cranial neuralgia that primarily involves the glossopharyngeal (ninth cranial) nerve. This nerve runs into the tongue and the throat.

Patients may feel electric shock-like pain that usually is in the back of the throat and back of the tongue. The pain may be triggered by chewing, sneezing, swallowing, speaking, coughing, yawning, spicy foods, or contact with the neck or ear. It occurs most often in men after the age of 40. In some cases, glossopharyngeal neuralgia may lower the patient’s heart rate and lead to fainting.

• Vagal and superior laryngeal neuralgia. This involves the vagus (10th cranial) nerve. The pain is similar to glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and the two conditions can occur together. It begins in the throat and radiates to the ear or eye. In severe cases, the pain may prevent speech. It may be triggered by coughing, swallowing or talking.
  
  
• Nervus intermedius neuralgia (also known as geniculate neuralgia). Pain due to this form of neuralgia is described as a cutting or shocking sensation deep within the ear. It occurs in patterns similar to that of glossopharyngeal neuralgia and some physicians believe they may actually be the same condition. It may also be associated with the seventh cranial nerve (facial nerve).
  
  
• Raeder syndrome. Like trigeminal neuralgia, Raeder syndrome also causes pain along the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve). It occurs less frequently than trigeminal neuralgia and is most likely in middle-aged or older male patients. They experience a constant burning sensation near one eye that fades after a few weeks or months.
  
  
• Cluster-tic syndrome. A combination of trigeminal neuralgia and cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are a group of headaches located near the eye that occur over several months. Patients tend to be between 20 and 70 years old and may experience chronic pain or recurrences and remissions.

In addition, postherpetic neuralgia, the most common type of neuralgia, can damage the cranial nerves (Herpes zoster oticus) as well as other nerves throughout the body. Postherpetic neuralgia is caused by the virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles (varicella-zoster virus). Unlike most forms of cranial neuralgia, herpes zoster oticus may affect multiple nerves. Patients experience ear pain and a rash on the head or neck. When associated with facial paralysis, the condition is known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome.