Precision Diagnosis and Therapy in Trigeminal Neuralgia: From Pharmacotherapy to Minimally Invasive Interventional Procedures

Abstract

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is one of the severe forms of cranial neuropathic pain in the field of neurology.¹ This condition is characterized by sudden, sharp pain attacks resembling an electric shock, stabbing, or burning sensation restricted to one or more distribution branches of the trigeminal nerve.^1,2 This pain is generally paroxysmal, unilateral, and can be triggered by very mild non-painful tactile stimulation (innocuous stimuli) on a trigger zone area, such as during chewing, talking, brushing teeth, and exposure to wind.² Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is one of the causes of severe chronic pain and is common worldwide, with an incidence of 4 to 13 people per 100,000 per year.³ The incidence of trigeminal neuralgia is higher in women than in men, with a ratio of 1.74 : 1, and it predominantly affects individuals over the age of 40, peaking between the ages of 60 and 70.³