Review Article

Year : 2017 | Volume : 1 | Issue : 2 | Page : 48 - 52

Trigeminal Neuralgia

A Ankita Taltia

Department of Oral Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. A Ankita Taltia,

E‐mail: anadroy15@gmail.com

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a recognized complication associated with trigeminal nerve. This case report describes a patient with classical unilateral TN. TN or tic douloureux is an idiopathic disorder and the most common cause of unilateral facial pain. There is no specific test to make a diagnosis of TN, and a clinical examination including assessment of cranial nerve function is mandatory. Magnetic resonance imaging can be useful in examining patients with neurological abnormalities. The various hypothesis on the pathogenesis of TN is discussed in the report. The current opinion is now in favor of a “neurovascular conflict:” an artery, most often a loop of the superior or anteroinferior cerebellar artery, has an offending contact with the trigeminal nerve root, which results in localized demyelination and ectopic triggering of neuronal discharges. This hypothesis is in agreement with the relief provided by antiepileptic drugs and is supported by recent neuroimaging data. Medical treatment (particularly carbamazepine) in these patients is very effective in controlling pain symptoms. For patients with continued pain, in spite of adequate medical treatment surgical options can be considered.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance, neurovascular conflict, tic douloureux, trigeminal neuralgia

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article:

Taltia AA. Trigeminal neuralgia. Int J Orofac Biol 2017;1:48-52.