Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Clinical Overview

Abstract

The Trigeminal nerve, which is part of the cranial nerve system, runs from the cheeks to the roof
of the mouth. Unilateral, intense, lancinating, stabbing, repeated bouts of pain within the distribution of one or
more branches of the trigeminal nerve are the hallmark symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Women, in
comparison to males, have a higher incidence of TN. Compression and demyelination of the trigeminal nerve are
the major causes of TN. Diagnostic procedures for TN include a physical examination, neuroimaging, and
neurophysiological testing. Patients with TN often begin treatment with carbamazepine, an anti-epileptic drug, at
a very low dosage. Surgery is a good alternative to medical treatment if the former doesn't work. Microvascular
decompression, gamma knife radio surgery, Gasserian ganglion percutaneous treatments, and peripheral
approaches are the surgical options available. The diagnostic procedures, therapeutic options, and clinical
manifestations of TN are discussed in this article.