I've had a trigeminal neuralgia attack on the right side of my face and that was the most painful thing I have EVER experienced in my life. Seriously, I was frantic because I didn't know how long it was going to last or if it would get worse (couldn't imagine HOW it could be worse).
I now take Trileptal every day and that seems to have taken care of it. I've been on it for about 2 years now.
I'm not sure if your episode has anything to do with the trigeminal nerves but I can relate how excruciating it can be.
Medifocus Guidebook on Trigeminal Neuralgia