Trigeminal Neuralgia: Revisiting Clinical Characteristics in the Indian Scenario

Abstract

The diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia has been a source of confusion for the clinicians since long and still remains a difficult condition to manage with no treatment modality providing a satisfactory management of the patient. The aim of this study was to assess the sex, age, branch and side distribution in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. For each of the subjects, a detailed, structured case history was recorded and the findings were recorded in a prepared proforma. The statistical analysis was carried-out using SPSS package, 10.5. Out of 30 trigeminal neuralgia patients, 16 patients (53%) were male and 14 patients (47%) were female. The mean age of trigeminal neuralgia patients was estimated as 50.46 years. Right side of the face was affected more than left with a predilection for maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve. A careful evaluation of the history and the identification of the nerve involved are important in any case for an accurate diagnosis in patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia. For patients suffering from chronic pain where surgical or pharmacological treatment has not provided sustained pain relief (or the side effects associated with the pain relief are unacceptable), psychological approaches to pain management become the preferred option.