Recent update on trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a long-term disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve, is a form of debilitating neuropathic pain. Although the underlying pathogenesis of TN is debatable, loss of myelin along the trigeminal nerve due to direct compression from a blood vessel or secondary to other conditions such as multiple sclerosis or stroke is thought to be the principal cause. Paroxysmal sporadic pain, with unilateral onset, is the main phenomenon of TN. TN is typically diagnosed clinically. Medications, surgery, and complementary techniques are among the current therapy options for altering the neural circuits associated with TN. Nevertheless, anti-epileptic and tricyclic antidepressant medications are recognized as first-line treatments, and surgical treatment may be required for patients who have not obtained a therapeutic effect with at least three medications, have experienced intolerable side effects, or have symptoms that are not resolving. Stimulation of brain regions is an emerging off-label technique that has the potential to offer pain relief from TN, but sufficient data and more extensive studies on both animals and humans are yet to be published. More specifically, convenient diagnostic techniques and affordable treatment modalities for TN have become crucial needs in order to reduce the psychological and socio-economical losses caused by TN.