Trigeminal ganglion itself can be a viable target to manage trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

Excruciating trigeminal neuralgia (TN) management is very difficult and severely affects the patient’s quality of life. Earlier studies have shown that the trigeminal ganglion (TG) comprises several receptors and signal molecules that are involved in the process of peripheral sensitization, which influences the development and persistence of neuropathic pain. Targeting TG can modulate this sensitization pathway and mediate the pain-relieving effect. So far,there are few studies in which modulation approaches to TG itself have been suggested so far. “Trigeminal ganglion modulation” and “trigeminal neuralgia” were used as search phrases in the Scopus Index and PubMed databases to discover articles that were pertinent to the topic. In this review, we address the role of the trigeminal ganglion in TN and underlying molecules and neuropeptides implicated in trigeminal pain pathways in processing pathological orofacial pain. We also reviewed different modulation approaches in TG for TN management. Furthermore, we discuss the prospect of targeting trigeminal ganglion to manage such intractable pain.