J Oral Med Pain.
2023 Mar;48(1):3-10. 10.14476/jomp.2023.48.1.3.
A Review of Recent Evidence on Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
- KMID: 2552145
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2023.48.1.3
Abstract
- This review aimed to update our knowledge of the classification, pathophysiology, prognosis, and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), with the intention of establishing better treatment protocols. The latest version of the International Classification of Headache Disorders uses an etiology-based approach to characterize TN patients, potentially contributing to the development of targeted treatment measures. Noticeable changes in the recent European Academy of Neurology guidelines for the management of TN include the use of magnetic resonance imaging for exclusion of secondary TN and differentiation of idiopathic and classical TN. Additionally, the use of botulinum toxin type A as an addon therapy for mid-term treatment of TN has also been included. Though there has been limited recent progress in the treatment of TN, previous studies emphasize the importance of customized, multidisciplinary management protocols that include drug therapy optimization; provision of continuous education and support; and timely referral of medically refractory patients for surgery in order to achieve favorable prognosis. Furthermore, slow but growing evidence on gene mutations will help elucidate the pathophysiology of TN and contribute to the development of targeted drugs that are effective and safe.
