The primary symptom of cranial neuralgia is recurring pain that affects certain areas of the head. It usually recurs in the same location, and is often felt near the surface of the skin or scalp. The pain is likely to move over parts of the head and follows the path of the damaged nerve. Sometimes ear pain or eye pain is involved. In many cases, certain pain triggers can be identified, which may help patients avoid those triggers.

The types of cranial neuralgia and the associated head or facial pain include:

• Trigeminal neuralgia. Sharp bursts of pain along only one side of the face, especially in the lower face or jaw.
  
  
• Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Electric shock-like pain that originates in the throat and radiates to the ears.
  
  
• Vagal and superior laryngeal neuralgia. Pain that primarily affects the throat and jaw.
  
  
• Nervus intermedius neuralgia. A cutting or shocking sensation deep within the ear.
  
  
• Herpes zoster oticus. Intense pain in and around the ear.
  
  
• Raeder syndrome. Constant burning sensation near one eye.
  
  
• Cluster-tic syndrome. A combination of trigeminal neuralgia and cluster headaches located near the eye.

Pain related to other forms of headaches tends to affect broader areas of the head than those related to cranial neuralgia. In addition, some forms of cranial neuralgia may be characterized by cycles of pain remission and recurrence. In progressive conditions, the periods of remission may become shorter and less frequent as the disease advances. For other symptoms specific to certain types of cranial neuralgias, see Types and differences.

Other signs and symptoms related to cranial neuralgia may include:

• Sensitivity to touch and temperature change
• Itching and numbness
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Lack of sweating
• Abnormal skin sensations
• Sensory loss