The Challenges in Clinical Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Review

Abstract

The lack of established laboratory tests or biomarkers for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) makes diagnosing this relatively rare condition extremely challenging. Trigeminal nerve compression observable on magnetic resonance imaging may indicate TN, but many patients do not have visible lesions or compression. In particular, TN may be confused with migraine, cluster headache, temporomandibular disorder, and other types of headache. An accurate diagnosis is imperative for proper treatment since these conditions do not respond to the same treatment. Many symptoms of these headaches can be vague or overlap, and clinicians depend in large measure on the subjective reports of their patients. Nevertheless, it is imperative to diagnose TN better, which can cause excruciating pain, reduce the quality of life, and even result in disability. It is possible that TN is underestimated.