Autonomic Nerve Disorders

Question 1

Source of trigeminal neuralgia in most patients

Answer 1

Compression of the trigeminal nerve root by a blood vessel, most often the superior cerebellar artery or on occasion a tortuous vein

• In cases of vascular compression, age-related brain sagging and increased vascular thickness and tortuosity may explain the prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia in later life.

Question 2

What is the rare syndrome characterized by cluster headache associated with trigeminal neuralgia?

Answer 2

Cluster tic

Question 3

Pathophysiology of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Answer 3

ectopic generation of action potentials in pain-sensitive afferent fibers of the fifth cranial nerve root just before it enters the lateral surface of the pons