Trigeminal neuralgia

Question 1

what is it and how does it present?

Answer 1

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a facial pain syndrome in the distribution of ≥1 divisions of the trigeminal nerve.

It is characterised by some combination of paroxysms of sharp, stabbing, intense pain lasting up to 2 minutes and/or a constant component of facial pain, without associated neurological deficit.

The pain can be precipitated by trigger areas or factors, and repeat attacks are typically stereotyped in the individual.

Question 2

Risk factors?

ivx?

Answer 2

Risk factors

• facial trauma
• multiple sclerosis
• female
• herpes virus infection

ivx: clinical dx

Question 3

mx?

Answer 3

1st line - Anticonvulsants; Carbamazepine

2nd line - Baclofen

3rd line - surgery; vascular decompression, ablation

Question 4

aetiology?

Answer 4

trigmeinal nerve compression
- can be of vascular origin eg

demyelinating disease - MS

Question 5

prognosis?

Answer 5

chronic condition. therapy only partially helpful. prone to relapse with therapy.