A trigeminal nerve tumor grows along the largest nerve that feeds the face. Because the nerve has three branches, symptoms show up in different zones of the cheek, jaw, or forehead.

The first red flag is face pain that feels like electric shocks. It may last seconds or minutes and is often triggered by brushing teeth, a cool breeze, or smiling.

Numbness or tingling follows. Parts of the cheek, lips, or tongue can feel “asleep,” making it hard to notice hot drinks or accidental bites.

Chewing weakens. The jaw tires halfway through a meal, and you may hear clicks as the joint struggles to line up.

Muscle shrinkage shows up later. One temple or cheek can hollow out, giving the face a lopsided look.

Vision blurs if the tumor reaches the nearby nerve that controls eye muscles. You might see double when looking to the side or feel pressure behind the eye.

Hearing can fade on the same side. Voices sound muffled, and you strain to follow conversations in noisy rooms.

Headache appears at the side of the tumor. It is steady, deep, and worsens when you lie flat.

Balance drifts. Quick turns make you sway, and walking in the dark feels harder than usual.