Trigeminal neuralgia: a modern-day review.

OBJECTIVE

To review the disorder of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in the context of previously known data and recent advancements.

METHODS

A PubMed search (November 25, 2006) was conducted, with review of existing literature related to this search. Review articles were accessed along with new advancements in diagnosis, pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of TN is primarily based on clinical suspicion; ancillary tests can help rule out other associated pathology. Treatment includes medical and surgical treatment as previously described; recent radiosurgical treatment offers some success as well. Insights into pathophysiology have also been afforded by advances in imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

TN is a complex but important disorder to diagnose; in the modern-day context, appropriately diagnosed TN can be treated with a generally good prognosis.