What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic pain disorder characterized by episodes of intense pain in the face which Short-lived, strong, sharp, shooting  usually in one side of the face in 1 or more branches of the fifth cranial nerve. Involvement of both side of face may occur.

How trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed?

Diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia in mainly clinical,  patient may needs to undergo an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to exclude specific pathologies such as a tumor or multiple sclerosis, which could cause a secondary trigeminal neuralgia. 

What are the drugs used for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia ?

Following drugs are useful in management of trigeminal neuralgia, Carbamazepine is the first line drug. 

Carbamazepine 400–800 mg/day , Phenytoin 300–500 mg/day, Baclofen 40–80 mg/day, Clonazepam 1,5–8 mg/day, Valproate 500–1500 mg/day , Lamotrigine 150–400 mg/day, Gabapentin 900–2400 mg/day, Oxcarbazepine 900–1800 mg/day

What are the Interventional treatment options for Trigeminal Neuralgia?

• Surgical microvascular decompression (MVD)
• Percutaneous balloon microcompression.
• Percutaneous glycerol rhizolysis.
• Percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) treatment of the Gasserian ganglion.