MRI characteristics of trigeminal nerve involvement in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Trigeminal neuralgia and central sensory disturbances are common in patients with multiple sclerosis. The anatomic correlation to lesions in the trigeminal nuclei in the brainstem is not well studied.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the anatomical characteristics of demyelinating lesions of the trigeminal complex in the brainstem on MRI in patients with MS and Clinically Isolated syndrome (CIS).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

43 Patients with MS or CIS and MRI lesions in the trigeminal complex in the brainstem were selected from a large database of patients referred for MRI because of trigeminal symptoms.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSION

A linear plaque involving the intrapontine fascicular part of the trigeminal nerve and lesions of the spinal trigeminal nucleus and tract seem to be distinctive MRI findings in patients with RRMS or CIS.