Drug treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with sympatho- and parasympatholytics

Exciting factors in trigeminal neuralgia known to date are reviewed, and the involvement of the vegetative system in the development of neuralgic pain is documented by clinical observations. Studies of free fatty acids (ffs) and free glycerin (FGly) conducted to assess sympathetic and vegal involvement revealed a sympathetic component to be active in attacks along the distribution of the first and second trigeminal branches, while pain originating from the third branch appears to be mediated by vagal stimuli. Sy,patho- and parasympatholytic therapy is discussed and its effect reviewed in a large group of cases. More than 50% of cases were found to be improved.