Question

The term "tic douloureux" is used to indicate the sharp shooting pain on the face, which is a result of affection of the following nerve:

• A. Trigeminal nerve
• B. Glossopharyngeal nerve
• C. Facial nerve
• D. Trochlear nerve
• E.

Hint:

Tic douloureux, or trigeminal neuralgia, is often triggered by minor stimuli and can be managed with medication or surgery.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Definition of "tic douloureux."
Tic douloureux, also known as trigeminal neuralgia, is a condition causing sudden, intense, sharp pain unilaterally on the face. This condition typically stems from trigeminal nerve dysfunction.

Step 2: Evaluation of options.
- (1) Trigeminal nerve: Correct. The trigeminal nerve mediates facial sensation and is most frequently implicated in tic douloureux.
- (2) Glossopharyngeal nerve: Incorrect. This nerve affects the throat and ear; it is not associated with tic douloureux.
- (3) Facial nerve: Incorrect. The facial nerve controls facial musculature but does not produce the sharp, shooting pain of tic douloureux.
- (4) Trochlear nerve: Incorrect. The trochlear nerve governs eye movement, not facial sensation.

Step 3: Determination.
Option (1) is the correct answer, as the trigeminal nerve is the nerve most commonly involved in tic douloureux.