Trigeminal neuralgia: a new therapy?

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a rare form of neuropathic pain that results in sudden, unilateral and recurrent pains in the distribution of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. The aetiology of TN remains unclear and several theories have been proposed. Many medical and surgical methods have been applied with only partial effectiveness and several side effects. New hypotheses and therapeutic methods are urgently needed. Using evidence presented in a literature review and in our own case report, we hypothesize that pain resulting from trigeminal neuralgia can be caused by demyelinating lesions in the trigger zone. These lesions can be repaired through the injection of fat containing Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSC).