Iqbal Ahmed Lehri, Mujeebur Rehman Baloch.
Trigeminal Neuralgia - distribution of pain and nerve involvement.
Med Channel Jan ;10(3):21-3.

OBJECTIVE: Trigeminal neuralgia is an idiopathetic facial pain. Its diagnosis remains the most confused aspect. Study was conducted on 200 patients with symptom of trigeminal neuralgia to evaluate the area of pain distribution and involved nerve. PATIENT AND METHOD: Diagnosis was based on careful history, clinical examination and control of pain by carbamazepins. The branch of nerve involved was identified and confirmed with diagnostic local anesthesia 2% lignocaine injection with adrenalin 1:80,000 at the identified site and repeated 3 times on consecutive days. RESULTS: Males 55% were more affected than females 45% with an age range from 26-85 year Right side was more involved 57% than left side 43%. Third division nerve was most common 55.5% as compared to second division. 41 % and first division 3.5%. Conclusion: Careful history and identification of the nerve involved is important in diagnosis and management. Carbamazepins offers good pain relief other options like peripheral neurectomy radiofrequency thermoneurolysis, Microvascular decompression can also be considered if medical management fails.

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