The importance of differential diagnosis in trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract

Purpose: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), is a disease that is located along one or more of the trigeminal nerve branch which is usually characterized by repetitive pain in the form of knife stab and is triggered by chewing and manipulation of gingiva. The initial atypical symptoms of TN pains are called pre-trigeminal neuralgia (PTN). The purpose of this study is by defining symptoms of oral PTN better, to understand the difference between PTN and odontogenic toothache and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of microvascular decompression (MVD) method in TN. Method: A total of 11 patients previously diagnosed with TN (4 women, 7 men; mean age: 57.72) were retrospectively reviewed. In the neurosurgery clinic Pamukkale University School of Medicine, those 11 patients were conducted MVD operation. Results: A total of 11 patients underwent MVD operation which had previously been diagnosed with TN in our clinic. Pain of 90% of patients who underwent MVD were recovered. In the 2-year follow-up of 3 patients, the 3-year follow-up of 3 patients, 1-year follow-up of 4 patients, it was seen that the pain was not repeated. Only in 1 patient, pain was recurred in the same area in the 4th year and it was decided to reoperate the patient. Discussion: Although TN is a disease can be diagnosed by any physician, especially the recognition of PTN and dentists to be knowledgeable about differential diagnosis are very important for the treatment of patients and getting rid of their pain. MVD which is heretofore known the best treatment method in TN, is a treatment method which allows the patients to get rid of their pain completely. In this study, it has been shown a painless life is provided for patients with MVD. © 2016, Ege University Press. All Rights Reserved.