Tic douloureux is caused by compression or degeneration of the fifth cranial nerve, the V trigeminal. Individuals afflicted with this condition have sudden, severe, stabbing pain on one side of the face, along the jaw or cheek. The pain may last several seconds and may be experienced repeatedly over several hours, days, weeks, or even months. The episodes may subside as rapidly as they began with no incidents of pain for months or even years.