Trigeminal Neuralgia Flashcards
what is trigeminal neuralgia
chronic pain condition characterized by severe shooting or stabbing pain in the distribution of one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve
what can trigger trigeminal neuralgia
light touch, eating or wind blowing on the person’s face
do patients with trigeminal neuralgia have normal neurological exams
yes
presenting symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia
Sudden, unilateral, brief, stabbing pain in the distribution or one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve
Recurrent
Pain lasts from a few seconds to a couple of mins
Periods of remission can vary
Some experience preceding symptoms (e.g. numbness, tingling)
Pain is described as being ‘shock-like’
causes of trigeminal neuralgia
Malignancy
Arteriovenous malformation
Multiple sclerosis
Sarcoidosis
Lyme disease
MEDICAL management of trigeminal neuralgia
carbamazepine (first line)
phenytoin
lamotrigine
gabapentin
SURGICAL management of trigeminal neuralgia
microvascular decompression
treatment of the underlying cause and alcohol injections