Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is not a specific disease, but a symptom elicited by pathology involving the fifth cranial nerve. Advances in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have made this the premier imaging modality in the diagnostic workup of trigeminal neuralgia. This article reviews the pertinent anatomy of the trigeminal nerve as well as the structural lesions that produce the symptoms of the condition. The advantages of MRI over other imaging methods are outlined, and the indications for obtaining this study are discussed.