Vascular compression in trigeminal neuralgia discloses trigeminal root somatotopic organization

Abstract

In Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) pain is localized in the distribution of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. A hallmark of TN is the presence of discrete skin areas able to trigger pain attacks when touched. In classical TN trigeminal reflexes are normal but dedicated MRI studies can recognize a vascular compression with morphological changes of trigeminal root. In this combined clinical, neuroimaging and neurophysiological study we aim to disclose trigeminal root somatotopic organization.