The trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation of the face and front of the head, is involved in migraine. It is the largest of the 12 cranial nerves and sends sensory informationTrusted Source, such as temperature, touch, and pain, from the face to the brain.

Migraine episodes may result fromTrusted Source sensory changes that affect nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels within the brain.

Recurrent pain that is not due to an injury to the body is often mediated by a process called central sensitization, where the sensory regions in the brain become oversensitive. It is possible that central sensitization is involved in migraine pain in the areas of the face and head where the trigeminal nerve mediates sensation.

A 2020 articleTrusted Source suggests that central sensitization may contribute to the intensity of migraine episode pain.

One chemical that may be involved in migraine episode pain is calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The trigeminal nerve produces large amounts of CGRP in response to pain signals, which may lead to migraine episode pain.

Blocking CGRP activity helps prevent and treat migraine episodes. Healthcare professionals may prescribe several CGRP receptor-blocking medications for migraine treatment and prevention, including:

Additionally, a small 2020 studyTrusted Source found that people who experience migraine episodes have significant differences in the microstructures of the trigeminal nerve in comparison with people who do not experience migraine episodes. The study authors suggested that further large-scale studies into this topic are needed.

It is not clear whether these changes in the trigeminal nerve are a cause or a consequence of migraine episodes, or whether the changes are permanent and if they respond to treatment.

Migraine symptoms associated with trigeminal nerve sensation may include:

  • piercing or throbbing pain, often on one side of the face or head
  • recurrent and intense pain
  • sensitivity to light and sound
  • nasal dripping or congestion

People should speak with a doctor if migraine episodes do not go away with treatment, worsen, or interfere with their daily routine.