Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct response relates specifically to the distribution of the ophthalmic nerve, which is one of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). This branch is primarily responsible for sensation in the forehead, scalp, and upper eyelid. In cases of trigeminal neuralgia, pain is often localized to areas innervated by the affected branch of the trigeminal nerve. Since the ophthalmic nerve innervates the forehead, individuals experiencing trigeminal neuralgia may report significant pain in this area.

Other options refer to different branches of the trigeminal nerve. Pain in the lower face typically arises from the mandibular branch, pain in the cheek is associated with the maxillary branch, and pain in the jaw would also correspond to the mandibular branch. Understanding the specific innervation of these trigeminal branches helps clarify the sources and locations of pain in trigeminal neuralgia conditions.