Trigeminal Neuralgia

Question 1

Trigeminal neuralgia is an ___disorder of the ___ cranial nerve resulting in severe, overwhelming pain in the face

Answer 1

idiopathic

fifth

Question 2

Attacks of pain can be precipitated by

Answer 2

chewing, touching the face, or pronouncing certain words in which the tongue strikes the back of the front teeth

Question 3

Patients describe the pain as feeling as if a

Answer 3

knife is being stuck into the face

Question 4

Dx

Answer 4

There is no specific diagnostic test.

Question 5

Tx

Answer 5

First-line treatment:: oxcarbazepine or carbamazepine

Alternatives : Baclofen or lamotrigine

Question 6

Trigeminal neuralgia unimproved by meds needs

Answer 6

gamma knife surgery or surgical decompression can be curative.