What is a characteristic symptom of trigeminal neuralgia?

The characteristic symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is electric shock-like unilateral pain. This type of pain is typically described as sudden, sharp, and intense, often triggered by everyday activities such as eating, speaking, or even touching the face. The pain occurs along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. This unilateral nature of pain distinguishes it from other conditions, as trigeminal neuralgia usually affects only one side of the face, leading to episodes that can be very debilitating.

In contrast, jaw pain extending to the neck is more representative of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint or other musculoskeletal issues, which do not share the hallmark features of trigeminal neuralgia. Similarly, bilateral burning pain could suggest neuropathic pain syndromes or other underlying conditions, but it does not align with the specific presentation of trigeminal neuralgia that is characterized by the unilateral and electric shock-like nature of the pain. Thus, the distinguishing feature of trigeminal neuralgia is the sharp, sudden, and unilateral electric shock-like pain.