How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made by eliminating other problems that could cause similar pain in teeth, jaw, head, or sinuses. Because patients with the condition tend to avoid trigger points, avoiding chewing, shaving, touching or washing their faces can be a clue to diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia.
The conventional MRI scans used to rule out the presence of a brain tumor or multiple sclerosis as a cause of a patients face pain are not adequate to visualize the trigeminal nerve or an associated blood vessel. Fortunately, the continued improvement in MRI neuro-imaging now makes it possible to visualize both. The technique, which is called 3-D volume acquisition, is performed with contrast injection and utilizes thin cuts (0.8mm), without gaps similar to what was developed for MRI angiography and venography. The trigeminal nerve is easily visualized in the axial plane when the MRI series is centered at the midpoint of the fourth ventricle. To ensure an adequate evaluation, the nerve should be seen on three adjacent cuts. Early studies indicate that when an offending vessel is present it will be detected 80% of the of the time. With continued imaging improvements this percentage will definitely increase. |
More information on trigeminal neuralgia
What is trigeminal neuralgia? - Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a painful disorder of a nerve in the face called the trigeminal nerve or fifth cranial nerve.
What causes trigeminal neuralgia? - Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve. The origin of trigeminal neuralgia may be caused by degeneration, pressure, or irritation of the trigeminal nerve.
What're the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia? - Trigeminal neuralgia causes episodes of sudden, intense facial pain that usually last for two minutes or less.
How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed? - Diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is usually made by eliminating other problems that could cause similar pain in teeth, jaw, head, or sinuses.
What's the treatment for trigeminal neuralgia? - The first treatment for trigeminal neuralgia usually is carbamazepine. Surgical treatment to block pain signals from the nerve may be effective. |
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