The Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia (Tic Douloureux)

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia, or tic douloureux, denotes a specific type of facial pain that has these features: (1) occurrence in abrupt, intense paroxysms, (2) usually provocation by a minimal local stimulus to the affected side of the face, (3) unilaterality, and (4) nearly always confinement to the domain innervated by the trigeminal nerve. Routine testing with cotton or pinprick infrequently discloses any hypesthesia or hypalgesia. Between the bursts of pain, which last from a second to a few minutes, there is usually no pain. Most patients have especially sensitive "trigger zones" from which attacks are provoked. Somewhat atypical are patients with . . .