A rodent model of trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia (Tic Douloureux) is a neuropathic pain syndrome caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve root and is characterized by severe paroxysms of pain in the face commonly triggered by light mechanical stimulation to the peri-oral area. Trigeminal neuralgia is very difficult to treat in part due to the lack of an suitable animal model for testing novel therapeutic approaches. This chapter describes a model of trigeminal neuralgia in which crystals of a superabsorbent polymer are placed next to the trigeminal nerve root of rats, producing ongoing mechanical compression of the nerve root. The chapter then describes means of behaviorally assessing the robust mechanical hypersensitivity consequent to the compression that can be used to determine the efficacy of potential therapies for this devastating condition.