Trigeminal Neuralgia Flashcards
1
Q
what is trigeminal neuralgia?
A
pain syndrome characterised by severe unilateral pain
2
Q
how does trigeminal neuralgia present?
A
- unilateral disorder
- brief electric shock-like pains
- commonly evoked by light tough
- pains usually remit for variable periods
3
Q
describe the pain felt in trigeminal neuralgia
A
- shock-like
- unilateral
- abrupt in onset and termination
- limited to one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve
- small areas of the naslabial fold or chin may be particularly suscepitble to the precipitation of pain
4
Q
what are the triggers for the pain in trigeminal neuralgia?
A
light touch
* washing
* shaving
* smoking
* talking
* brushing the teeth
5
Q
what are the red flag symptoms which suggest a serious underlying cause in trigeminal neuralgia?
A
- sensory changes
- deafness or other ear problems
- history of skin or oral lesions that could spread perineurally
- pain only in the ophthalmic division or bilaterally
- optic neuritis
- family history of MS
- age of onset <40 years
6
Q
what is the first-line treatment in trigeminal neuralgia?
A
carbamazepine
