Trigeminal neuralgia

Question 1

what is trigeminal neuralgia?

Answer 1

attacks of facial pain in area of one or more branches of trigeminal nerve

Question 2

describe the pain

Answer 2

severe, sharp/stabbing and lasts several seconds

Question 3

typical patient

Answer 3

women over 60

Question 4

3 classes of trigeminal neuralgia and common causes

Answer 4

classical - neurovascular compression (superior cerebellar artery)
secondary - MS, AV malformation, tumour cerebellopotine angle

Question 5

how often may pain occur in a day?

Answer 5

up to 100 times

Question 6

triggers

Answer 6

chewing, talking, touch area, cold weather

Question 7

diagnosis

Answer 7

clinical

MRI

Question 8

medical treatment

Answer 8

carbamazepine

lamotrigine, phenytoin

Question 9

treatment - acute exacerbation

Answer 9

lidocaine infusion
LA trigger point
sumitriptan

Question 10

surgery

Answer 10

microvascular decompression in CTN

Question 11

complications of surgery

Answer 11

aseptic meningitis
ipsilateral hearing loss
stroke
haematoma

Question 12

how long do attacks last?

Answer 12

no more than 2 mins