Role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of trigeminal neuralgia with its anatomical correlation

Abstract

Neuropathic Pain is caused by a primary lesion or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system. Trigeminal neuralgia is one such disease which is characterized by episodes of unilateral, lancinating, shock- like pains and are also intermixed with pain free episodes. It has a primary or classic and secondary type. Primary TN is due to neurovascular compression whereas secondary TN is due to any tumor in the brain stem. Trigeminal nerve has a sensory and motor root arising from the pons and travels to the face where it ends as three branches namely ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular. Magnetic resonance Imaging is a gold in identifying these lesions. However, it is not always prescribed due to lack of insight in using MRI as an evaluating tool. It results in over dosage of medication as the physician prescribes the drug without identifying whether the lesion is primary or secondary. This article give an insight on the various MRI sequences imaged various studies available and also throws light on other sequence which has to be explored in this disease.