Accommodation to diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most common causes of facial pain. It implies short lasting episodes of unilateral electric shock-like pain with abrupt onset and termination, in the distribution of one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve that are triggered by innocuous stimuli. Most cases of trigeminal neuralgia are caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve root. Depending on the etiology, trigeminal neuralgia can be classified as classic trigeminal neuralgia or painful trigeminal neuropathy. It may be precipitated by some actions at trigger zones. The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is based on diagnostic criteria for classic trigeminal neuralgia, neuroimaging and electrophysiologic trigeminal reflex testing. Treatment of classic trigeminal neuralgia for most patients is pharmacological therapy, while surgical approach is reserved for patients that are refractory to medical therapy and in cases of painful trigeminal neuropathy.