Trigeminal neuralgia, also called “Tic Douloureux,” is recognized as the most severe pains known. The agonizing attacks result from irritation of the fifth cranial nerve. Even today, treatment is often difficult and frequently results in poor long-term success. Fritz Härtel and Erwin Payr were the first to describe the therapeutic puncture of the Gasserian ganglion, named for the Austrian anatomist, Johann Lorenz Gasser. Martin Kirschner, multitalented German surgeon, modified Härtel’s puncture technique and, in 1931, developed a safe and effective surgical procedure to treat trigeminal neuralgia.