trigeminal neuralgia scope

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on August 31, 2024
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The range of trigeminal neuralgia attacks is usually located in the sensory area of the trigeminal nerve root, broadly covering both sides of the patient's nostrils and around the corners of the mouth. The nature of the pain is quite severe, often described as knife-like pain or burning pain. The duration of each pain episode varies, often starting and stopping suddenly. Around the pain area, fixed trigger points are likely to form. Accidentally touching these trigger points while brushing teeth, washing faces, or rinsing mouths can often trigger an attack of trigeminal neuralgia. Over time, due to repeatedly triggering the pain by touching these points, patients may become afraid to wash their faces or brush their teeth, and may experience facial muscle numbness or atrophy.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How is trigeminal neuralgia diagnosed?

The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is mainly based on the patient's clinical symptoms. It is mostly characterized by transient pain around the bilateral nasal root and corners of the mouth. There are generally no obvious prodromal symptoms before an attack; the pain occurs suddenly and stops suddenly. The nature of the pain is quite sharp, resembling knife-like cuts or a burning stabbing sensation. There are generally no significant signs before an onset, and the duration of an attack varies, lasting from a few seconds to several seconds, and even up to one or two minutes. Most patients experience sudden attacks and sudden cessation. Additionally, recurrent attacks can lead to severe adverse symptoms in patients and may even cause psychosomatic illnesses.

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Written by Jiang Fang Shuai
Neurosurgery
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trigeminal neuralgia area

The trigeminal nerve, being the fifth pair of cranial nerves, branches into three divisions after emerging from the skull. The first division is the ophthalmic division, which innervates the upper eyelid and superficial parts of the eye and forehead. The second division is the maxillary division, governing the cheek, upper lip, and gums. The third division is the mandibular division, which affects the lower lip and gums. Trigeminal neuralgia is pain that occurs in the areas innervated by the trigeminal nerve, typically affecting one side and primarily involving the second and third divisions, with the second being the most common and the third next, while the first division is rare. The pain of trigeminal neuralgia can be confined to the area of one division or can occur in two or all three divisions simultaneously.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Trigeminal neuralgia is where?

Trigeminal neuralgia often presents as pain on one side of the face. The trigeminal nerve consists of three branches: the mandibular, maxillary, and ophthalmic branches. If there is pain and discomfort in the areas served by these nerves, it is classified as trigeminal neuralgia. The location of this pain is around the eyes, upper jaw, and lower jaw, manifesting as brief, extremely intense stabbing or electric shock-like pain. A distinctive feature of trigeminal neuralgia is the trigger point, meaning that suddenly touching this point can induce the onset of trigeminal neuralgia, which is clinically significant.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is not uncommon in clinical settings; pain can often occur due to compression by blood vessels or tumor tissues. In addition, infections that irritate the trigeminal nerve can also cause pain. Therefore, it is essential to make assessments based on the specific conditions. In clinical practice, the initial treatment for trigeminal neuralgia typically involves oral medications. If there is no significant improvement with oral medications, further comprehensive examinations are necessary. Treatment options may include sphenopalatine ganglion block technique, microvascular decompression surgery, and craniotomy tumor removal surgery, among other measures. Thus, for trigeminal neuralgia, there are various treatment options available that can potentially provide significant relief. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
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Early manifestations of trigeminal neuralgia

For patients with trigeminal neuralgia, the initial symptoms mainly include sudden onset of intense pain that stops abruptly. The nature of the pain is generally sharp, resembling sharp stabbing or knife-like pain. In most cases, trigger points are easily formed on the face, commonly appearing around the bilateral nostrils and corners of the mouth as fixed trigger points. Touching these trigger points can easily trigger an attack of trigeminal neuralgia, which lasts for a relatively short duration, typically from a few seconds to several seconds. In most cases, attacks are more likely to be triggered when the patient is tired, fatigued, or under mental stress.