Trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia: Excerpt from Handbook of Diseases
Also called tic douloureux, trigeminal neuralgia is a painful disorder of one or more branches of the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve that produces paroxysmal attacks of excruciating facial pain precipitated by stimulation of a trigger zone.
It occurs mostly in people over age 40, in women more often than men, and on the right side of the face more often than the left. Trigeminal neuralgia can subside spontaneously, with remissions lasting from several months to years.
Causes
Although the cause remains undetermined, trigeminal neuralgia may:
❑ reflect an afferent reflex phenomenon located centrally in the brain stem or more peripherally in the sensory root of the trigeminal nerve
❑ be related to compression of the nerve root by posterior fossa tumors, middle fossa tumors, or vascular lesions (subclinical aneurysm), although such lesions usually produce simultaneous loss of sensation
❑ occasionally be a manifestation of multiple sclerosis or herpes zoster.
Whatever the cause, the pain of trigeminal neuralgia is probably produced by an interaction or short-circuiting of touch and pain fibers.
Signs and symptoms
Typically, the patient reports a searing or burning pain that occurs in lightning-like jabs and lasts from 1 to 15 minutes (usually 1 to 2 minutes) in an area innervated by one of the divisions of the trigeminal nerve, primarily the superior mandibular or maxillary division.
The pain rarely affects more than one division, and seldom the first division (ophthalmic) or both sides of the face. It affects the second (maxillary) and third (mandibular) divisions of the trigeminal nerve equally. (See Trigeminal nerve distribution and function.)
These attacks characteristically follow stimulation of a trigger zone, usually by a light touch to a hypersensitive area, such as the tip of the nose, the cheeks, or the gums. Although attacks can occur at any time, they may follow a draft of air, exposure to heat or cold, eating, smiling, talking, or drinking hot or cold beverages.
The frequency of attacks varies greatly, from many times a day to several times a month or year. Between attacks, most patients are pain-free, although some have a constant, dull ache. No patient is ever free from the fear of the next attack.
Diagnosis
The patient’s pain history is the basis for diagnosis because trigeminal neuralgia produces no objective clinical or pathologic changes. Physical examination shows no impairment of sensory or motor function; indeed, sensory impairment implies a space-occupying lesion as the cause of pain.
Observation during the examination shows the patient favoring (splinting) the affected area. To ward off a painful attack, the patient often holds his face immobile when talking. He may also leave the affected side of his face unwashed and unshaven, or protect it with a coat or shawl.
When asked where the pain occurs, he points to — but never touches — the affected area. Witnessing a typical attack helps to confirm the diagnosis. Rarely, a tumor in the posterior fossa can produce pain that’s clinically indistinguishable from trigeminal neuralgia. Skull X-rays, tomography, and computed tomography scan rule out tumors and sinus or tooth infections.
Treatment
Oral administration of carbamazepine, gabapentin, or phenytoin may temporarily relieve or prevent pain. Opioids may be helpful during the pain episode.
When these medical measures fail or attacks become increasingly frequent or severe, neurosurgical procedures may provide permanent relief. The preferred procedure is percutaneous electrocoagulation of nerve rootlets, under local anesthesia.
Treatments include a percutaneous radio frequency procedure, which causes partial root destruction and relieves pain, and microsurgery for vascular decompression (using guided computed tomography) of the trigeminal nerve.
Special considerations
❑ Observe and record the characteristics of each attack, including the patient’s protective mechanisms.
❑ Provide adequate nutrition in small, frequent meals at room temperature.
❑ If the patient is receiving carbamazepine, watch for cutaneous and hematologic reactions (erythematous and pruritic rashes, urticaria, photosensitivity, exfoliative dermatitis, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia) and, possibly, urine retention and transient drowsiness.
❑ For the first 3 months of carbamazepine therapy, complete blood count and liver function should be monitored weekly, then monthly thereafter. Warn the patient to immediately report fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, easy bruising, or petechial or purpuric hemorrhage.
CLINICAL TIP: Fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, easy bruising, or petechial or purpuric hemorrhage may signal thrombocytopenia or aplastic anemia and may require discontinuation of drug therapy.
❑ If the patient is receiving phenytoin, also watch for adverse effects, including ataxia, skin eruptions, gingival hyperplasia, and nystagmus.
❑ After resection of the first division of the trigeminal nerve, tell the patient to avoid rubbing his eyes and using aerosol spray. Advise him to wear glasses or goggles outdoors and to blink often.
❑ After surgery to sever the second or third division, tell the patient to avoid hot foods and drinks, which could burn his mouth, and to chew carefully to avoid biting his mouth.
❑ Advise the patient to place food in the unaffected side of his mouth when chewing, to brush his teeth and rinse his mouth often, and to see a dentist twice a year to detect cavities. (Cavities in the area of the severed nerve won’t cause pain.)
❑ After surgical decompression of the root or partial nerve dissection, check neurologic and vital signs often.
❑ Provide emotional support, and encourage the patient to express his fear and anxiety. Promote independence through self-care and maximum physical activity. Reinforce natural avoidance of stimulation (air, heat, cold) of trigger zones (lips, cheeks, gums).
❑ Refer the patient to a pain clinic as necessary.
Pictures
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Handbook of Diseases
- Author(s): Springhouse
- Year of Publication: 2003
- Copyright Details: Handbook of Diseases, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
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Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
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More About This Book:
Title: Handbook of Diseases
Authors: Springhouse
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright: 2003
ISBN: 1-58255-266-5
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» Next page: Tic disorders (Handbook of Diseases)
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