Trigeminal Neuralgia Flashcards
1
Q
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
A
Intense facial pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve.
2
Q
What are the 3 branches of the trigeminal nerve?
A
1) Opthalmic (V1)
2) Maxillary (V2)
3) Mandibular (V3)
3
Q
Describe pain in trigeminal neuralgia
A
- unilateral
- electric shock-like pains
- abrupt in onset and termination
4
Q
What is pain commonly evoked by in trigeminal neuralgia?
A
Light touch e.g. washing, shaving, smoking, talking, and brushing the teeth
Cold weather too
5
Q
What condition is trigeminal neuralgia more common in?
A
Multiple sclerosis
6
Q
1st line mx for trigeminal neuralgia?
A
Carbamazepine
7
Q
When is a referral to neurology indicated in trigeminal neuralgia?
A
Failure to respond to treatment or atypical features (e.g. < 50 years old) should prompt referral to neurology
8
Q
A
