MRI evaluation of trigeminal neuralgia patients in a rural hospital of central India

Abstract

Background Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by repetitive paroxysmal electric shock-like pain in the trigeminal nerve distribution. The most common cause implicated in this condition is neurovascular conflict, primarily by the superior cerebellar artery in the prepontine cistern. Other common causes include cerebellopontine angle tumours and aneurysms at the brainstem level. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice in evaluating trigeminal neuralgia, with 3D-FIESTA (Fast Imaging employing steady-state acquisition) being the mainstay for assessing neurovascular conflict. This study’s objective is to assess the role of MRI in evaluating trigeminal neuralgia and to study the spectrum of MRI findings associated with various causes. Methods The study type is a cross-sectional observational prospective study conducted at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi, on 41 patients coming to the Radiology department with clinical suspicion of trigeminal neuralgia. Descriptive statistics will summarize participants’ imaging characteristics. At the same time, comparison tests will be employed to assess the association between imaging features and diagnosis of MRI with the distribution of patient symptoms, laterality, aetiology, artery, and branch of trigeminal nerve involved. Considering ethical concerns, participants’ privacy will be protected, and all data will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.