Peripheral Nervous System Trigeminal Neuralgia
Also called tic douloureux.
Entails a type of facial pain, which occurs in abrupt, intense paroxysms. Usually provoked by minimal stimulation of a trigger zone. Is unilateral and confined to the area innervated by the trigeminal nerve, most often the second and third branches.
Usually in persons over 50.
Cause is thought to be related to impaired inhibitory mechanisms in the brain stem.
Approximately 70% respond to carbamazepine (Tegretol).