Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Brief Review

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia is a facial pain syndrome that occurs repeatedly and chronically on one side of the face following the distribution of the trigeminal nerve branches. Trigeminal neuralgia is estimated to be around 0.16%-0.3%, with an incidence rate of 4-29 people per 100,000 people/year, with a higher incidence in women than men (ratio 3:2). The incidence rate increases with age. The causes of trigeminal neuralgia are divided into two types, classic and symptomatic. The main mechanism of trigeminal neuralgia is compression by the intracranial blood vessels which causes damage to the protective covering of the nerves or is known as the process of demyelination. Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia is pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacotherapy, surgery should be considered if treatment is ineffective, and preventive education.