Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), a disease described by sudden, stabbing pain on one side of the face, is one of the most common causes of face pain.

Vibrations or contact with the face may intensify pain associated with TN. Outbreaks of pain commonly last several seconds to minutes and repeat over the following hours and/or weeks.

The outbreaks of pain will then stop for months to years before starting again, usually worsening over time.

Compression of the trigeminal nerve root, typically by the intercranial artery, is the usual source of trigeminal neuralgia. It may be difficult to diagnose TN.

Diagnosis

Trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed based on the characteristics of the pain.

Radiographic imaging may be used based on the physician’s clinical findings.

Differential diagnoses include post herpetic pain and migraine pain.

Treatments

Anti-inflammatories
Anticonvulsant
Antidepressants
Peripheral nerve stimulation
Microvascular decompression
Balloon compression
Gamma knife radiosurgery
Peripheral neurectomy
Chemical rhizotomy