Trigeminal Neuralgia

Question 1

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Answer 1

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN or TGN) is a long-term pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, the nerve responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. It is a form of neuropathic pain.

Question 2

What is trigeminal neuralgia caused by?

Answer 2

Compression of the trigeminal nerve

The compression of the trigeminal nerve is usually caused by a nearby blood vessel pressing on part of the nerve inside the skull.

Trigeminal neuralgia can also happen when the trigeminal nerve is damaged by another medical condition, such asmultiple sclerosis or a tumour.

Question 3

At what age are people most likely to develop trigeminal neuralgia?

Answer 3

50-60

Very rare in adults younger than 40

Question 4

What is the clinical presentation of trigeminal neuralgia?

Answer 4

Trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe facial pain. It’soften describedas a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums.

It usually happens in short, unpredictable attacks that can last from a few seconds to about 2 minutes. The attacks stop as suddenly as they start.

In most cases, trigeminal neuralgia affects just one side of the face, with the pain usually felt in the lower part of the face. Very occasionally the pain can affect both sides of the face, although not usually at the same time.

Question 5

How is trigeminal neuralgia managed?

Answer 5

Anticonvulsant: carbamazepine

Minor surgical procedures

Question 6

Which nerve is the trigeminal nerve?

Answer 6

5th

Question 7

What are the branches of the trigeminal nerve?

Answer 7

Ophthalmic
Maxillary
Mandibular