The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve, providing sensation to the entire face and motor supply to the muscles of mastication. Trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux) produces the most severe pain known to medicine — brief electric-shock pains in the V2 or V3 distribution triggered by light touch (washing, eating, talking). Microvascular decompression of the nerve root at the pons (Jannetta procedure) provides definitive surgical cure in 80-85%.
| Origin | Trigeminal ganglion (semilunar ganglion of Gasser) in Meckel's cave on the petrous bone apex |
|---|
Trigeminal neuralgia is diagnosed clinically by its characteristic lancinating pain in the V2-V3 distribution with a trigger zone. MRI with FIESTA sequences shows neurovascular conflict at the nerve root entry zone. Carbamazepine is first-line. MVD is the most effective long-term treatment; stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) provides non-invasive but less durable relief.
Trigeminal nerve root compression producing lancinating facial pain managed with carbamazepine or microvascular decompression.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
