Trigeminal neuralgia - Overview

Trigeminal neuralgia is the most common cause of facial pain in individuals over 50 years old and can have a profoundly negative impact on quality of life. Epidemiological studies have measured the annual incidence of trigeminal neuralgia at around 4–5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year. In Iceland, this would amount to about 16–20 new cases annually. The incidence increases steadily with age, peaking between 50 and 70 years. The pain is sudden and often compared to an electric shock. The attacks usually occur in the second or third branches of the trigeminal nerve. The pain is often triggered by sensory stimulation. Chewing, brushing teeth, speaking, or exposure to cold wind on the face, can all trigger an attack. The most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia is believed to be pressure from a nearby blood vessel on the nerve at its origin in the brainstem. Other underlying causes include multiple sclerosis (MS), tumors and in some cases, no cause is found. Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia involves medication with drugs such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, gabapentin, or various types of surgical procedures. This article will review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.