Trigeminal Neuralgia - Highlights
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common form of facial neuropathic pain that is limited to the regions supplied by the branches of the trigeminal nerve.
TN can be excruciatingly painful. It is a sharp, stabbing or "electric-shock" like pain.
📝Here are some "Highlights" or a high level overview of Trigeminal Neuralgia
The maxillary (V2) and the mandibular (V3) divisions of the trigeminal nerve are usually affected. The ophthalmic (V1) division is rarely affected.
There are typically two types or forms of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) -> Classic TN and Secondary TN.
The classic TN usually affects older individuals while TN in younger individuals is usually of the secondary type.
The sudden pain is usually stimulated by touching certain areas of the face called "trigger zones".
Pain usually lasts for a few seconds to 2 minutes, followed by a period of no pain, even on stimulation of the trigger zones.
Carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant is usually used to treat patients with TN.
🔎You could dig deeper into the topic
In fact, you could delve a lot more deeper and read in detail about Trigeminal Neuralgia with our Revision Ninja - Oral Pathology and Medicine Course bundle!
💡Note
Apart from Notes, you could also get access to numerous MCQs and Videos with English captions/subtitles on various topics in Oral Pathology and Medicine.
Trigeminal Neuralgia is agonizing. Between attacks, there's a constant dread of the next onslaught. It's an unyielding struggle. Since 1988, I've been living in this perpetual cycle. The side effects of medications are immense. Despite undergoing five surgeries, I've come to terms with the fact that this is my enduring reality.